Indigenous peoples face unique challenges when trying to get the health care they deserve, including shortages of GPs and nurses in rural and remote communities. The Canadian government is working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners across the country to close systemic health gaps and inequities and provide quality, culturally appropriate health care.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today highlighted the recently announced federal investment of an additional $2 billion over 10 years to ensure access to quality and culturally safe health services, aligned with Indigenous partners’ priorities.

Funds from the new Aboriginal Health Equity Fund will be distributed in support of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. In the coming months, the Canadian government will work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners across the country, as well as provinces and territories, to design and implement the fund and ensure it aligns with regional and community Aboriginal health priorities .

This new fund is part of the government’s plan to increase investment in healthcare by US$198.6 billion over 10 years to improve healthcare across the country. This additional funding will clear backlogs and support frontline workers who keep our healthcare system running smoothly; ensure that all Canadians have access to a primary health care team and quality mental health and addiction services to support their well-being; to ensure patients have access to their own medical information and benefit from having that information viewable by healthcare professionals in all provinces and territories.

As the Canadian government continues to work with provinces and territories to create tailored bilateral health care funding arrangements, we commit to maintaining a constructive dialogue between provinces and territories and Indigenous organizations to fill gaps, support Indigenous health priorities and promote health eliminate inequalities for all.

quotes

“When Canada introduced universal health coverage, Canadians made this promise: No matter where you live or how much you make, you will always be able to get the healthcare you need, when you need it. you need them Our healthcare system is currently not keeping this promise. That’s why we’re making major investments to improve them, including a significant additional investment to provide better healthcare to indigenous peoples based on their priorities. We will work in partnership with Indigenous communities to achieve the results needed. »

“I have heard many heartbreaking stories from leaders and members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities about the racism and discrimination they have faced in Canada’s healthcare systems. Access to racism-free health care is a fundamental human right. The Aboriginal Health Equity Fund will support Aboriginal health leaders to develop health services and work with health sector partners on Aboriginal priorities. »

“All people deserve access to quality, culturally sensitive healthcare. The Indigenous Health Equity Fund will make an important contribution to ensuring that Indigenous Peoples have access to the culturally safe health services they deserve and need, free from racism and discrimination. We remain committed to working with Indigenous Peoples, provincial and territorial governments and all partners to combat racism and discrimination in all its forms, including in healthcare. »

highlights

• The new Indigenous Health Equity Fund will be developed and implemented on a discernment basis, consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, calls for justice from the National Women’s Inquiry and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Girls, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls for Act and respect the instructions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners.
• In addition, the Canadian government remains committed to the collaborative development of distinction-based health legislation for Indigenous peoples to build health systems that ensure the safety and well-being of Indigenous peoples.
• The Canada Health Transfer (CHT) is the largest state transfer in provinces and territories. in 2024-24, the federal government will provide US$49.4 billion to provinces and territories under the CHT, an increase of 9.3% (or US$4.2 billion) over 2022-23 is equivalent to.
• In addition to the new Aboriginal Health Equity Fund, the government invests approximately $5 billion annually in Aboriginal health. In particular, since 2021 it has announced significant new investments to drive progress, including the following investments:
  • US$354 million over five years to increase the number of nurses and other health workers in remote and isolated First Nations communities;
  • $250 million over five years to continue supporting recruitment and retention of reserve health workers;
  • $825 million over three years for Discernment-Based Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategies;
  • $127 million over three years to advance health systems free of racism and discrimination;
  • $107 million over three years to continue efforts to transform the way First Nations communities design and deliver health services.

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