An NPI stands for Networking and Partnership Initiative (NPI). The Community Health and Social Services Network (CHSSN) coordinates a Québec-wide health and social services “Adaptation Program” designed to enhance the vitality of English-speaking minority communities in Québec by increasing access to existing health and social services.

The program is supported by an investment from Health Canada and has been undertaken in partnership with the Ministère de la Santé et des Services Sociaux (MSSS). An implementation agreement between CHSSN and the MSSS was concluded to incorporate the projects into Québec’s initiatives to improve access to health and social services in English through partnerships between local English-speaking communities and health and social services system.

The NPI program objectives are to mobilize partners to recognize and address challenges in access to health and social services in English; create and equip partners with knowledge, information and support; and collaborate with partners in making improvements to access in health and social services.

Our participation in the NPI organization allows ECO·02 to network with other NPIs, organizations and to express our concerns to the government. We will be able to participate in local roundtable discussions to create a better understanding between both linguistic groups on how existing services, they provide, may incorporate English services through their existing programs.

Source: CHSSN Exchange conference 2017 Building Together newsletter.