Ontario now offering French language characters, such as accents, on health cards

Ontario announced it is now offering the option of French language characters, such as accents (e.g., ç, è, é, ê, ë) on Ontario health cards.

“We are supporting Ontario’s Francophone community and improving their experience when accessing vital government services throughout the province, including health care,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, in a statement. “Franco-Ontarians can now have their name correctly identified on their health card in addition to their driver’s licence and photo card.”

Ontario residents with French names can now visit a ServiceOntario location with the required support identification documents to request a free replacement health card displaying their name with French language characters.

In September 2020, Ontario added French language characters to Ontario driver’s licence cards and Ontario Photo Cards.

“By making available French-language characters on Ontario health cards, the Government of Ontario demonstrates its determination to expand quality services for the province’s French-speaking community,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs, in a statement. “We are committed to delivering French-language services to Francophones and will continue to work closely with our partners to reflect the needs and specificity of Ontario’s Francophonie.”