Physical Identifiers
Francophone Health is proud to offer a wide variety of physical identifiers to all bilingual staff members of designated bilingual and Francophone service delivery organizations, in order to improve patient care, ensure timely access, and foster trust between Manitoba’s healthcare system and its minority language population. The concept of Active Offer is the cornerstone of Manitoba’s French-Language Service (FLS) policy, creating an environment where the public is completely at ease in dealing with provincial government or healthcare workers in either of French or English.
Despite representing 8.4% of the Manitoba population (2021), 40% of Francophones in Manitoba have difficulty receiving health services in French. Research shows that receiving health services in the language in which patients are most comfortable is a factor in quality and effectiveness. It also shows that, in vulnerable moments such as health problems, Francophones frequently do not request service in French, for fear that their linguistic preference will have a negative effect on the quality of service or the accessibility of all treatment options, delay treatment, or lead to other inconveniences.
Therefore, designated bilingual employees are required to wear a physical identifier that states “Hello/Bonjour” to indicate that they can speak English and French. As well, any bilingual employee, volunteer, student, trainee, resident who wants to identify as French-speaking and is able to provide services in French is welcome to wear one of these items.
Order Items
The following items are available upon request* by completing the Bilingual Physical Identifier Request Web Form.
*depending on supplies.
Lanyard
Badge Clip
Magnetic Badge
Bookmark
Post-It Notes
Bilingual Desk Flip Calendar
Pen (Black or Blue Ink)
3-in-1 Pen (Black, Red, and Blue Ink)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Physical Identifier?
Physical identifiers are visible items, such as Hello/Bonjour lanyards, badge pulls, or magnetic pins, worn or used by employees who are willing and able to provide services in French. These help patients and visitors know when French language services are available.
Who should wear a bilingual identifier?
Any employee who is confident in their French skills and willing to provide service in French should wear a bilingual identifier. In designated bilingual sites and programs, designated bilingual employees are required to wear them.
Why is it important for bilingual staff to wear these identifiers?
Wearing French-language identifiers supports the Active Offer of services in both official languages by making it easy for Francophone patients to identify staff who can communicate in French. This increases access to care, improves understanding, and enhances patient comfort and safety.
I have an idea for a identifier. What should I do?
Francophone Health is always looking to improve our products and offer, so if you have a suggestion, please do not hesitate to reach out by emailing [email protected].
Why haven’t I received my identifier?
If you haven’t yet submitted a request for an identifier, please complete the Bilingual Physical Identifier Request Web Form.
If you have submitted a request and still have not received anything, please contact Francophone Health at [email protected] or your local FLS coordinator.
Can non-designated bilingual staff wear a bilingual identifier?
Yes, if you choose to voluntarily offer services in French and feel confident doing so, you can wear an identifier. However, doing so implies to patients and colleagues that you are ready and able to communicate in French.
Are there other ways Shared Health supports bilingual staff?
Yes, in addition to physical identifiers, Francophone offers access to French language training and support tools (e.g., online courses, language resources) to help staff develop and maintain their French language skills.
Who can I contact for more information or for questions?
You can contact Francophone Health at [email protected], or you can contact your local FLS coordinator.