B.C. Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nation Health Governance

October 2011

News Release: Partners Sign Historic First Nations Health Agreement

The Framework Agreement is the conclusion of negotiations that began in 2006 between the federal government, the Province of British Columbia and B.C. First Nations, when they signed the "First Nations Health Plan: Memorandum of Understanding".

The purpose of the Framework Agreement is to support better health for B.C. First Nations through a new governance structure and a new relationship among the three parties.

The new governance structure includes the:

• First Nations Health Authority, to take on responsibility for the planning, management, delivery and funding of health programs presently provided for First Nations in B.C. through Health Canada.
• Tripartite Committee on First Nations Health, to coordinate and align planning and service delivery between the First Nations Health Authority, the B.C. health authorities, and the B.C. Ministry of Health.
• First Nations Health Directors Association, to represent health directors and managers working in B.C. First Nations communities and to be an advisory body in research, policy and program planning.
• First Nations Health Council, to support health priorities and objectives of B.C. First Nations and provide leadership for implementation of tripartite commitments.

Under the Framework Agreement, the Government of Canada agrees to transfer its programs and resources for First Nations health in B.C. to the First Nations Health Authority.

With the signing of the Framework Agreement, work will begin to complete sub-agreements on details of the transfer, such as human resources and information management systems.

The federal government will provide up to $17 million to support B.C. First Nations in preparing for the transfer.

The federal transfer is planned to take place within two years, or later if necessary to ensure a smooth transition. A transfer of federal health programs in 2013 would include the transfer of federal funding totaling approximately $380 million per annum. This amount is based on federal expenditures for First Nations programs and services in British Columbia with an escalator to reflect expected population and cost increases.

The B.C. government has agreed to provide $83.5 million as part of its commitments in the Framework Agreement.

B.C. health authorities will work with First Nations to better coordinate, plan and deliver an integrated health service that better meets the needs of First Nations.