The Family Practice Services Committee (FPSC) is pleased to share that family physicians across the province will continue to have access to the Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI) service.
On May 31, 2026, the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) ended funding for family physicians to access the OPI service. Recognizing its value and the importance of maintaining uninterrupted access for family physicians and their patients, FPSC approved funding to continue the service from June 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
There will be no change for family physicians in how they access or use the service. Physicians can continue to use existing phone numbers and processes. PHSA will maintain administrative and operational responsibility.
Looking ahead, FPSC is exploring options to support language interpretation services for family physicians beyond March 31, 2027. This will include considering approaches currently used to support access to OPI for specialist physicians.
About the OPI service
Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI) is an on-demand service available to family physicians across the province. It connects spoken language interpreters via telephone with family physicians and patients who communicate in more than 200 languages other than English.
Family physicians can access the OPI service by following these steps:
- Call 844-350-8224
- Select the required language
- Enter the 4-digit access code for your Division of Family Practice
- State the physician's first and last name
- Wait for the interpreter to come on the line
Learn more about Provincial Language Services (PLS) or connect with your local Division of Family Practice.