NAN chief pressures government to act on auditor report
"Next step for us now is asking the minister of health to meet with us to develop a course of action"
Nishnawbe Aski Nation in northern Ontario is teaming up with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak to put pressure on Ottawa to improve the state of health care for aboriginal people.
The move comes in response to a recent report by Canada's Auditor General examining health care services for First Nations people in both provinces.
Among several concerns raised, the report found Health Canada failed to ensure nurses in remote communities had adequate medical training, equipment and supports, particularly when asked to provide emergency care.
NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said this report just confirms what First Nations leaders in northern Ontario and Manitoba have been saying for years.
"There is a huge gap in terms of how the health care system is delivered in our communities," said Fiddler.
He said Health Canada has already agreed with the report's recommendations.
"So, the next step for us now is asking the Minister of Health Rona Ambrose to meet with us to develop a course of action," Fiddler said.
He said it needs to be a collaborative process to implement the recommendations on a priority basis.