Stratégies gagnantes pour servir les Francophones

June 2026 Newsletter

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RSSFEO Takes the Lead – The Mission Continues!

We are thrilled to announce that the Réseau des services de santé en français de l'Est de l'Ontario (RSSFEO) is officially pursuing the Winning Strategies project as of April 2026.

This project brought together many dedicated individuals, driven by the determination of the Kids Comes First Health Team, which successfully united its partners - including the Réseau, present on the ground from the very beginning. The 22 organizations still active in the program with an ongoing work plan were already being supported by the Réseau. It is therefore a natural next step for the Réseau to continue this project - now a full program - in collaboration with the eight Health Teams Ontario in the region that remain engaged.

"Winning Strategies is a framework that helps organizations move from good intentions to concrete action. Our role at RSSFEO is to ensure that this momentum continues to spread throughout the region."
    - Normand Glaude, Executive Director, RSSFEO

The context has never been more urgent: Ottawa is the top destination for francophone permanent residents outside Quebec in Canada, and a 40% increase in demand for French-language health services in Eastern Ontario is anticipated in the coming years. There is still work to be done - and the Réseau is confident that Winning Strategies will enable more providers to meaningfully improve their French-language service offering.

For any questions, please contact info@strategiesgagnantes.ca

End of Chapter One: Measurable Impact

Born from a simple observation - too few services in French, too few tools to address it - the project was led by Kids Come First and sponsored by RSSFEO and Ontario Health Team Archipel since January 2024. In just over two years, it engaged eight Health Teams Ontario and more than 100 champions across the region. An independent evaluation of this first chapter, which concluded on March 31, 2026, confirmed concrete results:

  • 101 champions identified (initial target: 80)
  • 75 people trained in active offer (initial target: 60)
  • 48 organizations completed a self-assessment of their French-language service capacity
  • 1 in 2 participants reports that their organization's perception of the complexity of French-language services has shifted

That last figure speaks volumes: organizations that once believed French-language services were beyond their reach now say it is achievable. The impact extends even beyond what could be measured - tools have travelled far beyond the project itself, reaching Northern Ontario and even Bayshore, a pan-Canadian organization. It is worth noting that at launch, 215 people participated in the inaugural webinar, joining from well beyond Eastern Ontario.

Winning Strategies Tools Are Available to You

Toutes les ressources développées dans le cadre de ce projet demeurent accessibles gratuitement en ligne. Vous y trouverez :

  • All resources developed as part of this project remain freely accessible online. You will find
  • A self-assessment tool for your organization's French-language services
  • Adaptable work plans tailored to your goals
  • Communication tools to promote your French-language services
  • The Winning Strategies promotional video to share with your teams
  • Guides on the principles of active offer and how to implement them

Go to the Winning Strategies website

How do you explain to your team what the Winnings Strategies for serving Francophones is all about? Easy, start with this animated video!

Two Years of Deployment: Key Lessons Learned

Two years of on-the-ground work have yielded valuable insights. Here are a few that will guide the path forward.

One-on-one support is irreplaceable. Tools are necessary, but what truly drives change is the human relationship - someone who knows the organization, adapts to its needs, and remains present over time.

Simplicity is a prerequisite, not a luxury. A clear starting point, incremental steps, and ready-to-use tools - that is what turns good intentions into concrete action.

One champion can transform an organization. An engaged person, supported by leadership, becomes a catalyst capable of transforming a workplace culture from within.

Impact spreads. Internal policies have changed, hiring practices have evolved, and active offer training has been integrated into onboarding for new employees.

Winning Strategies at the Kids Come First AGM

On June 8, the Réseau had the honour of presenting the accomplishments of Winning Strategies at the annual general meeting of the Kids Come First Health Team. Before an engaged audience, the team highlighted the project's concrete results and the real impact of active offer on the health journeys of francophones in the region.

It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the work accomplished collectively and to raise awareness among a broader audience about the importance of French-language services. The message was well received, and the conversations that followed reflect a growing interest in what comes next

Feature Your Organization in Our Next Newsletter?

Winning Strategies is looking to spotlight organizations that have undergone a meaningful transformation in their French-language services. We are seeking inspiring organizations willing to share their journey.

Would you be interested in being interviewed for our next newsletter? It is a great opportunity to showcase your team's work and encourage other organizations to take the step toward active offer.

Contact us at info@strategiesgagnantes.ca. we would love to connect!

Activities Coming This Fall!

Enjoy the summer - Winning Strategies activities are back this fall 2026! We are planning new opportunities for exchange and support for partner organizations, with three key priorities:

  • Supporting the 22 organizations in advancing their work plans
  • Welcoming new organizations and helping them develop individualized work plans
  • Collaborating with Health Teams Ontario on equity, diversity, and inclusion to position the project as a solution for better serving francophones

Details will be confirmed in the fall. In the meantime, all resources remain available at strategiesgagnantes.ca. For any questions or suggestions, contact us at info@strategiesgagnantes.ca..

Keep Supporting French-Language Services in Your Organization

Keep Supporting French-Language Services in Your Organization

Winning Strategies has planted important seeds. For these efforts to bear fruit over the long term, every organization has a role to play:

  • Share the Winning Strategies promotional video with your colleagues
  • Review and update your French-language services work plan
  • Inform new team members about active offer practices
  • Contact RSSFEO for personalized support

For any questions: info@strategiesgagnantes.ca

This initiative is funded by Société santé en français and Health Canada
under the Official Languages Action Plan 2023–2028:
Protection – Promotion – Collaboration

logos Santé Canada et Société Santé en français