First Nations leaders are speaking out over their exclusion from health care talks between the Provinces and Ottawa this week.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced a new plan for the two levels of government to work together to improve the health care system.
Last month, Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald sent a letter to Trudeau asking for an invite to the table.
But, her request was rejected, with Trudeau instead promising to advocate for Indigenous health priorities during the meetings.
In response, Archibald said First Nations will not be advocated for, and called Ottawa’s commitment to reconciliation performative.
She says First Nations involvement in the discussions is critical to eliminating systemic racism, inequity, neglect, and staggering disparities in health outcomes.
Trudeau’s plan includes a $196 billion increase in health funding to the provinces and territories over the next 10 years, including $46.2 billion in new funding.
Most of the new funding is contingent on the province’s agreeing to advance shared priorities and improve health information sharing.
