Press Release

For immediate release

New Access Programme for Health & Social Services in English

Megantic English-Speaking Community Development Corporation

Thetforfd Mines, Friday May 2nd, 2008: The Health and Social Services Agency of Chaudière-Appalaches (HSSACA), in collaboration with the Megantic English-speaking Community Development Corporation (MCDC), officially launched its new Access Programme for Health and Social Services in English for the English-speaking population on Friday, May 2nd, in Scott. Ms. Julie Desjardins, Director, Secrétariat à l’accès aux services en langue anglaise et aux communautés culturelles, Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services, Mr. Marc Tanguay, President and Director General of HSSACA, along with many representatives from health and social services institutions in Chaudière-Appalaches as well as members of the English-speaking community of Chaudière-Appalaches were present.

This programme states which services should be available in English as well as the way these services should be rendered. The programme is available in English in a summary form or in its original form at the MCDC or the HSSACA.

Mrs. Ann Marie Powell, President of the MCDC, applauds the efforts and time invested by the HSSACA to insure that the English-speaking population on the territory will have an easier access to health and social services in English. She stated that “the implementation of this programme will allow easier access to services in English for those who need it or for those who are more comfortable receiving these services in English”. In addition, she emphasized the commitment of institutions in the health and social services network of Chaudière-Appalaches who demonstrated great creativity in order to better welcome and serve English-speaking clientele. For her part, Mrs. Suzanne Aubre, the MCDC Executive Director, is pleased with the interest shown by the network workers who participated in great number at English training workshops and immersion week-ends.

Mrs. Aubre also noted that “these services will benefit not only the English-speaking members of the community but also tourists who are travelling through the region or Allophones who choose to come live in the region”.

In Chaudière-Appalaches, the English-speaking community represents approximately 1% of the total population. The right of these people to receive health and social services in English is affirmed in the Quebec Act respecting health services and social services.

The MCDC is a non-profit community organization based in Thetford Mines whose mission is to serve the English-speaking community in Chaudière-Appalaches and the sub-region of l’Érable.

For additional information, please contact :

Suzanne Aubre, Executive Director - MCDC
Tel : (418) 332-3851 / e-mail : mcdc@bellnet.ca

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