Montfort, Ontario's Francophone academic hospital, the Institut du Savoir Montfort and the Université de l'Ontario français (UOF) signed a partnership agreement on December 4 to offer certificates, training internships, staff and student exchanges, as well as research, innovation and creation projects in various fields of common interest.
Photo Credit : Montfort
This collaboration will start in January 2026 with the introduction of a microcertificate in Mental Health. This short program will provide training in French to health professionals from Hôpital Montfort on issues related to mental health and addiction, to better respond to the growing demand for mental health services within Francophone communities.
The microcertificate will address a range of themes including addiction; the psychopathology of major mental disorders and substance use disorders; crisis intervention; suicide prevention; and professionalism and ethics in mental health. This one-year program is for social workers, registered nurses, nursing assistants and nurse practitioners, among others.
"This is the first agreement of its kind between UOF and a hospital a major step that testifies to the growth of our institution and its commitment to the needs of the Francophone health system. We're proud to be able to collaborate with such an important health pillar in Ontario, and we're convinced of the value and necessity of this training to expand access to services in French," said Normand Labrie, President and Vice-Chancellor of UOF.
"The partnership between Montfort and UOF responds to current mental health needs and is a natural extension of our vision of a bold Francophonie for healthy communities," said Estelle Ethier, Vice-President, Teaching and Research at Montfort, and Chief Executive Officer of the Institut du Savoir Montfort (ISM), the organization responsible for coordinating research, clinical internships and continuing professional development at the hospital. "As part of our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, we aim to increase the number of Francophone learners in health through an expanded collaboration with our partner educational institutions, and to implement enhanced professional development measures."
According to Dr. Marie Gendy, MD, MSc, PhD, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Mental Health Program at UOF, "Mental health issues are not limited to psychiatric units. Patients admitted to emergency rooms, surgical units, long-term care, and even administrative staff are often faced with concomitant mental health challenges. Providing more employees with mental health training will surely contribute to providing patients with more holistic and adapted care."
About the Bachelor of Mental Health at UOF
In September 2025, UOF added a Bachelor of Mental Health to its list of programs. The four-year program provides engaged, person-centred, action-oriented training. Students develop concrete skills in intervention, prevention, support and social innovation, while exploring the psychological, social and cultural dimensions of mental health. Employing an inclusive and holistic approach, the goal is to help individuals and communities face issues related to addiction, and to actively contribute to social justice and positive change.
