Health network language debate underway

A committee of MLAs is studying how to elect members to the boards of New Brunswick's two health networks.

That's led to a debate over what should come firstlanguage or geography.

A Moncton doctor has proposed all francophone communities in the province be served by the VitalitHealth Network, which he argues would give francophones theirown health network.

Thierry Arsenault, who heads a French community centre in Fredericton, disagrees. Francophones in Fredericton use a hospital operated by the Horizon Health Network.

Arsenault said he and his counterparts in Saint John and Miramichi don't want to be moved.

"Those communities are serviced by Horizon Health, so we think it's important we're part of the health authority that provides the services," said Arsenault.

He said all hospitals in the province are required to provide service in both languages, regardless of which health network they're in.

Health Minister Madeleine Dube said that won't change.

"We have one health-care system in New Brunswick. We have one. And each hospital, each health service, needs to be offered in the language of choice," said Dube.

New Brunswickers will elect some membersto the two health network boards next May, during municipal elections.