The Ministerial Order 2026-002 establishes the Regulation respecting the National Committee on the provision of health services and social services to persons from ethnocultural communities under the Act respecting the governance of the health and social services system (chapter G-1.021). This Regulation replaces Ministerial Order 2024-026 and formally constitutes a national committee tasked with advising the Minister on health and social service delivery to ethnocultural communities across Québec. The creation of this committee draws authority from sections 433.1 of the Act respecting health services and social services for the Inuit and Naskapi, which empower the Minister to form such committees and determine their composition and operational rules.

The Regulation establishes that the National Committee is composed of 11 voting members representing Québec’s diverse ethnocultural communities. Among these, two members must have professional experience within public institutions, and two must have experience in provincial organizations promoting the interests of ethnocultural communities in health and social services. In addition, the Committee includes a non-voting secretary drawn from the staff of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, who possesses knowledge of the legal and administrative frameworks governing services for ethnocultural communities and is sensitive to the issues they face. Membership is restricted to residents of Québec who are not minors and who do not hold positions that could create conflicts of interest, including certain institutional roles, board memberships, or prior convictions under relevant Acts. Members may not have been recently removed from related committees or boards, ensuring integrity and independence in advisory functions.

The appointment process involves public invitations for applications and the formation of a selection committee, which evaluates candidates based on their professional experience, understanding of health and social services, and familiarity with the cultural, historical, and linguistic issues affecting ethnocultural communities. The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services ultimately appoints members from the selection committee’s recommended list, with terms of office limited to three years and a maximum of two consecutive terms. Members serve without remuneration but may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in performing their duties. Committee leadership is internally selected, with a chairman and vice-chairman elected by secret ballot to serve one-year terms.

The Committee is required to meet at least five times per year, either in person at the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux in Montréal or remotely, with decisions made by majority vote and the chairman holding a deciding vote in case of ties. The Committee can provide observations on bills or draft regulations affecting ethnocultural communities, solicit opinions, receive requests and suggestions from individuals and organizations, and form subcommittees. Annual reporting to the Minister is mandated, including activities from the previous year and a work plan for the upcoming year.

Quebec (2/2026) March 4, 2026
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