Health Card Campaign
In January 2025, Manitoba launched a new durable, modernized Health Card. The card now displays each person’s preferred official language: English or French.
This means that everyone can indicate the official language they wish to be welcomed in when accessing health and social services. For Francophones, it is a concrete way to signal that French matters in their care journey, and it also helps the government plan and improve the availability of French-language services.
For healthcare and social services professionals, this is valuable information that makes it easier to orient Francophone patients appropriately. When you see “French” on a Health Card, remember to make an active offer of service in French and record the language of preference in the patient’s file. Review your team or department’s active offer procedures and the French-language services currently available in your facility. And don’t forget, even a single word like “Bonjour” can make a meaningful difference in a patient’s experience of care.
The resources on this page were developed through a partnership between Shared Health-Soins communs, Santé en français*, and the Société de la francophonie manitobaine. The campaign and website Je choisis le français inform and encourage Francophone and Francophile Manitobans to choose French as their preferred official language.
*For Santé en français, this initiative is made possible with funding from Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, Government of Manitoba. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Manitoba.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I see “French” on a Health Card?
A word like “Bonjour” can make all the difference. It’s simple, accessible to everyone, and shows that you’ve acknowledged and respected the person’s official language preference. Be sure to record the preference in the patient’s file. Then follow your department’s procedures for next steps: bilingual reception, referral, interpreter services, and so on.
What does “preferred official language” mean on the Health Card?
In Canada, there are two official languages: English and French. This designation means the person wishes to be welcomed and served in one of those two languages.
Does “French” on a Health Card guarantee that all services will be available in French?
Not necessarily. Resources vary by facility. However, knowing a patient’s preferred official language supports active offer and helps guide the person to existing French-language services.
Does indicating “French” slow down or affect the quality of care?
Not at all. A patient’s language preference has no impact on the speed or quality of care received. All patients are treated to the same standards of professionalism. What changes is the experience: a warmer welcome, clearer communication, and recognition of the person’s identity. This information also helps plan and improve the availability of French-language services.
What if I don’t speak French well, or I’m not confident responding in French?
What matters is not ignoring the preference. Even one word or phrase in French, however simple, is often very much appreciated. A simple “Bonjour” can make a difference. You can then explain respectfully that you will seek additional support. Each facility has its own processes to assist Francophone patients. Familiarize yourself with your department’s procedures.
Where can I direct patients who have questions about the new Health Card and language of preference?
You can refer patients to contact Manitoba Health, visit a bilingual service centre, or consult the Government of Manitoba’s website.
In addition, the Je choisis le français website brings together all practical information for the public: how to request a new card, update an existing one, or correct information. It also features videos and a FAQ. Referring French-speaking patients and families to this site ensures their questions are answered consistently and reliably.
Where can I find resources to help me feel more confident using French?
The Support and Tools section of the Différence en français portal provides videos, practical tools, and resources to help you make the active offer and build confidence, no matter your level of French. You will also find information and videos on the positive impact of French-language care on quality, safety, and patient experience, as well as the benefits for the health care system.
Videos
Thank you to the Ambassador Team:
- Zakia Belatik, Coordinator, Shared Health-Soins communs
- Julie Lessard, Coordinator, Francophone Health, St-Boniface Hospital
- Kouassi N’dia, Communications Coordinator, Centre de Santé Saint-Boniface
- Katie North, Manager of Health Services, St. Boniface Hospital, Margaret-Teresa-McDonell Award Recipient
- René Piché, Registered nurse
- Evelyn Takpey, Supervisor, Centre de santé Saint-Boniface
- Dariène Tougas, Director of Innovation, Centre de santé Saint-Boniface
Campaign Images
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Campaign Poster
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