Our role
For more than 20 years, Réseau santé Alberta (RSA) has been advancing French-language health services across the province. With the dedication of many volunteers and in collaboration with health‑sector partners, RSA informs, mobilises, convenes, and advocates to strengthen access to health services in French for everyone in Alberta.
Our work extends across the entire province, with attention to the unique realities and needs of each region. To address these needs, we collaborate closely with community groups, regional partners, and provincial organisations active in key sectors such as education, training, immigration, language, culture, and more.
Our history
Réseau santé Alberta (RSA) began its activities in 2004 with funding from Health Canada. As a member of Société Santé en français (SSF), RSA is one of 16 organisations across the country dedicated to improving access to French-language health services. For its governance model, the RSA draws on the World Health Organisation’s Partnership Pentagon (Towards Unity for Health) framework, which promotes balanced representation from five key sectors: policy makers, health professions, academic institutions, communities and health managers.
In 2024, as part of the Canada–Alberta Agreement to Work Together to Improve Health Services for Canadians, the Government of Alberta established a partnership with the ACFA and RSA. This partnership aims to:
- develop strategies to strengthen both the supply and demand for French-language health services;
- expand access to and the reach of health services offered in French;
- support health professionals who wish to improve their French-language skills;
- ensure the continued operation of the TOA Tel-aide service.
This funding has enabled RSA to expand its activities across the province and to enhance French-language health promotion initiatives. It also supports programming, including the Éduc-franco santé workshops and the Centre for Wellness and Prevention for Afro-Canadians in Alberta (CBEP) initiatives.
Vision and mission
Vision
Vivre en santé en français en Alberta. (Being healthy, in French, in Alberta)
Mission
Bringing Alberta’s Francophone population together towards collaboration with health‑sector stakeholders. Through strong partnerships, we strengthen equitable and safe access to French‑language health services across the province.
Values
Leadersh
Leadership
Our leadership is reflected in a proactive, collaborative approach. We develop sustainable solutions tailored to French‑language health services by building strong partnerships with communities, education institutions, health‑service managers and professionals, and policymakers. Together, we are better equipped to meet the needs of Francophones across the province.
Inclusion
We foster an environment where everyone can express themselves and contribute to our network’s growth. By valuing the ideas, experiences, and backgrounds of all, we move forward together to build a connected and supportive health network.
Innovation
We explore creative and forward‑thinking ideas to transform challenges into concrete solutions.
Accountability
We uphold our commitments with transparency and integrity, use our resources responsibly, and take ownership of our decisions.
Equity
We promote equitable and safe access to French‑language health services, adapted to regional realities and to the diverse needs of Francophones. We work to reduce barriers to accessing services in French.
Strategic priorities and objectives
(RSA Plan Stratégique 2026-2029.pdf)
Priority 1:
Strengthen Partnerships
- 1.1 Increase influence towards policymakers.
- 1.2 Support networks of health professionals.
- 1.3 Support institutions and health related programs.
- 1.4 Build strategic alliances.
Priority 2:
Foster Innovative Initiatives
- 2.1 Explore opportunities offered by artificial intelligence.
- 2.2 Build connections with centres of expertise.
- 2.3 Monitor technological advancements.
- 2.4 Stay informed about developments in the health sector.
Priority 3:
Develop Strategies to Improve Access to Services
- 3.1 Support professionals and students in providing services in French.
- 3.2 Implement solutions that facilitate appointment booking.
- 3.3 Create a coordinated approach to connect users with service providers.
Priority 4:
Increase Visibility
- 4.1 Expand a resource bank for French‑language health services.
- 4.2 Increase health‑promotion efforts in French among the public and partners.
- 4.3 Strengthen presence and participation in events and professional networks.
- 4.4 Assert leadership in French‑language health services.
A Network of partnerships
Since 2004, Réseau santé Alberta has played a key role among the 16 francophone health networks serving minority-language communities across Canada. Together, they collaborate through Société Santé en français, a true driver of collective action that advances the development of French‑language health services and supports francophone and Acadian communities living in minority settings.
Networking at the heart of the action.
Five types of partnership are essential to transformative health systems:
The partnership pentagon (World Health Organization, 2021)
