By Canadian Press

B.C.’s first health centre catering to francophone community to open in the fall

Jun 16, 2024 | 1:18 PM

VANCOUVER — A new health centre dedicated to serving British Columbia’s French-language speakers will open its doors this fall in Vancouver.

A statement from B.C.’s Ministry of Health says the current Vancouver Urban Health Centre cannot accommodate the needs of the Lower Mainland’s growing French-speaking community even though it offers primary care in both French and English.

It says the new centre, expected to open in October in Vancouver, will be equipped with a care team of family doctors, nurses and social workers.

The government hopes to connect 4,400 people to primary care by 2029.

Provincial Health Minister Adrian Dix says the demand for patient-centred care is growing as the province welcomes more newcomers from French-speaking countries and beyond.

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

15h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How to reduce food waste in Kamloops during the festive season

Dec 13, 2024

Data provided by the province shows 6.6 per cent of B.C.’s population, or more than 328,000 people, can speak French. More than 80,000 provincial residents named French as their mother tongue as of 2021, with more than half that population living in the Lower Mainland.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2024.

The Canadian Press