The Café de Paris is an informal—and free—space where employees can acquire or maintain basic French language skills, interact orally in French and obtain tools and resources to enable them to offer services in both official languages. The intention of this approach is to focus on patient safety by developing support for the active offer of French-language health services and bring the two official language communities closer together.

I worked in Western Canada for a dozen years. During this time, I did not have the opportunity to speak French. Since my return to New Brunswick two years ago, I have held a bilingual position and use French regularly. I told myself it would be a good idea to take advantage of the services of Café de Paris to improve my language skills so that I can offer our French-speaking clients and their families services in their language. I like the idea of this linguistic resource adapted to our specific health care needs. My assistant and I have been participating in Café de Paris every Friday at noon for a year and it is very motivating to be able to converse in French on a regular basis. It is also practical, as it doesn’t interfere with our work day. I am extremely proud of the progress I have made. I have learned a lot of new vocabulary and become familiar with work-related French terminology in a fun atmosphere. It has all given me back my confidence. We are fortunate to have this resource available to us.”

Gillian Hoyt-Hallett, Administrative Director, Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation
Fredericton, New Brunswick