“Divisive politics have no place in healthcare!”:Kelley
By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban
The National Assembly has unanimously adopted a Liberal motion, supported by Québec Solidaire, emphasizing that English-speaking Quebecers do not need to obtain a certificate of eligibility to access health and social services in English in Québec.
In speaking to The Suburban, Gregory Kelley, the Official Opposition critic for relations with English-speaking Quebecers stated that, “No confusion should ever exist in the health network where a person feels they need to prove their right to have access to healthcare. When a patient shows up to a hospital, it is for a medical test and not a language test.”
The motion, tabled by André Fortin, Liberal MNA for Pontiac, requires the government to ensure that any directives given to the health and social services network are clear and explicit on this matter.
In recent months, complete confusion has arisen following the publication of a government directive on the use of languages other than French in the health and social services network. Many citizens have expressed concern that they would not be able to receive health care in English.
According to Kelley, it was imperative to remind the government of its responsibilities, particularly with the presentation of this motion. ‘’The CAQ has finally understood the importance of ensuring that every individual in Quebec, without exception, can access health care, and that language should never serve as an obstacle. They created a 31-page document to explain why and how they are applying language laws to healthcare. Lucien Bouchard (the former Premier of Quebec) said, “When you go to a hospital you may need a blood test but you don’t need a language test.’ Bottom line is that divisive politics do not have a place in the healthcare system.”
When asked for an “on the ground” example of what the confusion relayed to him directly looked like, Kelley told The Suburban about an elderly constituent whose spouse was concerned about bringing him to the hospital as he lost his bilingual capabilities due to dementia. “The senior community, in particular, has been really shaken up by this. It affects everyone. It is wrong. Period.” n
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