This past year has driven us to reflect on new ways of doing things to ensure that key system stakeholders recognize the relevance and importance of equity in the provision and accessibility of French language services. Especially in a time of pandemic, when Francophones were at their most vulnerable, shared responsibility of all players is essential to meet their needs and find viable solutions.
We are happy to announce that our mandate as a French Language Health Planning Entity has been renewed for another two years. Our work with different levels of government and on the ground has not gone unnoticed. Despite the transfer of the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) to Ontario Health, our working relationship with the North East and North West LHINs, now known as Ontario Health North, continues as before.
As you will see in the annual report, our work with providers and our partners has produced encouraging results for French language health services. We are most grateful to our providers and partners, who kept French language services in the forefront for their clients, patients and residents.
This year, we are saying farewell to three members of our Board of Directors, Mr. Fabien Hébert, a founding member of the Réseau du Nord and the Réseau du mieux-être francophone du Nord de l’Ontario. He has taken on a number of roles over the course of his 20 years with the Réseau family at the national, provincial and regional levels. We are grateful for his in-depth knowledge of Francophones and of health issues. We also wish to thank Lyne Robitaille, who was with us for eight years, representing the Algoma region. Thank you for your commitment towards the Francophonie in your region and the Réseau. We also extend our thanks to Marc-André Gravel, who represented the Cochrane region, leaving after three years due to a change in employment. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we wish to emphasize that your contribution continues to be an excellent resource for us and for all Francophones.
from the Kapuskasing region. Ann has been working in the field of early childhood education for several years. She was the founder and Executive Director of the Centre éducatif Rayon de Soleil in Kapuskasing and area. She is currently working as the Coordinator for Special Projects with the Association francophone à l’éducation des services à l’enfance de L’Ontario (AFÉSEO). Ms. Parker also teaches early childhood education at Collège Boréal. She is a passionate and visionary leader dedicated to making a difference for the well-being of others.
from the Timmins region. Merv worked as a chiropractor in private practice for over thirty years. Upon his retirement, he pursued his passion of culinary arts and became an amateur chef. He is currently working as a cook at the Walford Retirement Home in Timmins, along with offering cooking classes for children and adults. Dr. Russell is very involved in his community and has extensive board experience.
from the Algoma region. Marc holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) and has been working for several years as a manager for the Ministry of the Attorney General in Sault Ste. Marie. He has held several volunteer positions on the Board of Directors of the Centre francophone de Sault-Sainte-Marie and is also a long time instructor with the cadets. Mr. Boissonneault is a proud Franco-Ontarian with deep roots in Northern Ontario.
Congratulations to our new board members!
“We are proud of all that we have accomplished, and we would like to thank the members of the Board of Directors, our Executive Director and the members of the Réseau team for their dedication and outstanding support, especially during this exceptional year. In addition, we wish to salute the health care workers and essential workers who put their health at risk to protect us and keep our economy going.” – Collin Bourgeois, Board Chair
“I wish to acknowledge the essential contribution made by the team that works every day to ensure equitable access to French language services in the North. We often do our work in the background, but I can assure you that you make a difference and that we have much to be proud of.” – Diane Quintas, Executive Director of the Réseau