Office of Inuit Health - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Office of Inuit Health?

The Office of Inuit Health was created following the November 2006 Aboriginal Health Summit held in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, announced that the federal government would establish a focal point within Health Canada to better address Inuit health issues.

Why was the Office of Inuit Health created?

Regional Inuit organizations and the national office of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) began discussing the need for a centre of Inuit information and expertise on health matters. Health Canada and ITK, with direction from the National Inuit Committee on Health (NICoH), drafted a business case for the establishment of an Inuit office within Health Canada. This led to the announcement in November 2006, by the Minister of Health, to proceed with the establishment of the Office of Inuit Health.

The creation of the Office of Inuit Health is an important step forward for Inuit and the federal government. It will ensure that Health Canada can more effectively address Inuit health concerns and issues, and will increase awareness of Inuit health issues within the health portfolio and across all levels of government. It also shows a genuine commitment on the part of the federal government to work with Inuit and with provinces and territories to help improve the health of Inuit.

What is the role of the Office of Inuit Health?

The Office of Inuit Health will act as the centre of Inuit health information and knowledge within Health Canada. It will provide advice on Inuit health matters and participate in the development of policies affecting health services and programs in Inuit regions (referred to as Inuit Nunaat). Inuit Nunaat translated means "Inuit Homeland" and includes the Inuvialuit Regions of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut Territory, the Nunavik Region of Quebec, and Nunatsiavut, the Inuit self-government regions of Labrador. The office will increase awareness of Inuit health issues across the health portfolio and with other government partners, as well as with provinces, territories and Inuit organizations. The Office will also assist in helping all levels of government work together with Inuit organizations and Inuit across Canada to support collaborative approaches to Inuit health issues.

How does the Office of Inuit Health differ from Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK)?

The intent of the Office of Inuit Health (OIH) is not to interfere with the role and responsibilities of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), but instead to act as a medium for discussion and development of policies that have an impact on the overall health of Inuit throughout Canada. The OIH will seek comprehensive approaches to Inuit health issues through collaboration with relevant federal, provincial, territorial and Inuit partners.

The basic scope of the Office of Inuit Health is to:

• Serve a policy function - serving as a hub for Inuit health policy development, working closely with and supporting FNIHB program areas and regions responsible for the development and delivery of programs, initiatives and services for Inuit;
• Provide a co-ordination service - supporting existing linkages, and fostering new ones across the health portfolio, for more comprehensive approaches to Inuit health, and for better targeted expenditures of FNIHB funding and improved accountability.
• Assess and make recommendations on issues of concern to Inuit - regarding current
  challenges faced in the delivery of federal health programs to Inuit, respecting provincial/territorial roles and responsibilities for health care delivery and services.

How will the Office of Inuit Health be staffed?

The Office of Inuit Health will have an initial staff of five (5). It is expected that the Office of Inuit Health will be fully staffed and operational in 2008, with a Director, one (1) senior policy advisor, two (2) policy advisors and one (1) administrative assistant.

How much will it cost to operate the Office of Inuit Health?

The Office of Inuit Health within the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada has an initial budget of $240,000 this year 2007-2008, and $500,000 in 2008-2009. Starting in 2009-2010, the Office will have an annual budget of $700,000.

Where is the Office of Inuit Health located?

The Office of Inuit Health is located in Ottawa, Ontario. It is part of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) of the federal department of Health Canada.

For more information, please contact the Office of Inuit Health.