French Language Services

Serving patients in the official language of their choice is a key component of providing exceptional care. The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is a bilingual institution, offering services in both French and English.

In 2011, the Heart Institute received its designation under the Province of Ontario's French Language Services Act, marking our commitment to offering services in both official languages. French Language Services (FLS) help the Institute deliver on this promise.

The Heart Institute provides a patient care environment which strives to minimize stress due to language barriers. It provides services in English and French and recognizes patients, their family members and the general public of either official language as having the same rights, status and privileges.

As such, patients, family members and the general public are entitled to receive administrative, nursing, professional, medical and support services in the official language of their choice. They are encouraged to communicate in their preferred official language with the Heart Institute staff.

Components of FLS

Translation: As a designated organization, all information intended for patients and the general public must be made available in both official languages. FLS provides French translation services for the Heart Institute.

French Language Training: To acquire, advance or refresh French language abilities, we offer French courses throughout the year. These classes are open to staff and the public. For more information, see French Language Training under Educational Programs.

French Language Committee: The committee is responsible for maintaining effective, and active French language health services and ensuring the continued availability, permanence and quality of these services.

Designation: The Heart Institute is proud to say that 97 percent of our services received designation.

Our team

  • Karine Proulx, Director
  • Judith Lachance, Manager
  • Sitraka Raoelimanohisoa, Coordinator
  • Amanda Straus, Administrative Support
  • Soussan Jafari, Teacher

French language training (online)

Winter 2024 

Intermediate 2 (Monday, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., Jan. 15 to Mar. 25)*

Intermediate 1 (Tuesday, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., Jan. 16 to Mar. 19)

Beginner 2 (Wednesday, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., Jan. 17 to Mar. 20)

Beginner 1 (Thursday, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., Jan. 18 to Mar. 21)

Please note that the instructor will be available a half-hour before the class starts to meet with students who require additional assistance.

*There is no class on February 19 (Family Day).

In accordance with UOHI Official Language Policy, French languages course fees will be reimbursed to UOHI employees. The employee must attend 70% of the classes and successfully complete the course to be reimbursed.

What to know about the virtual classes

Due to the pandemic, we have made the shift away from classrooms to virtual learning for an indeterminate period. In order for online learning to be effective and engaging for all participants, here are a few things to know when registering to the course:

  • We require a minimum of 5 registrations to hold the class;
  • There will be a maximum of 8 students per class;
  • We ask that all participants mute their microphone when not speaking to avoid noise distractions;
  • We ask that all participants turn their camera on to facilitate engagement with the teacher and the other students, and improve the learning experience.