French-language health care services in Ontario

The French Language Services Act, 1986 has had an impact on the provision of health care services in Ontario. The Ontario Ministry of Health's implementation of French-language services is examined in light of three criteria: permanency, quality and accessibility of services. Issues are raised around the measurement and creation of demand for services; the health human resources shortage; health care priorities; what constitutes a high quality service; and the influence of the political and economic climates. The continuing challenge is to provide permanent and accessible high quality French-language health care services within an ailing health care system.