Speech by the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq Minister of Health for the Signing of the Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nation Health Governance Squamish First Nation

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October 13, 2011
Vancouver

Check Against Delivery

Elder Audrey Rivers, Co-Speakers Chief Charlie and Councillor Byron Joseph, Minister of Health Michael De Jong, National Chief Shawn Atleo, Grand Chief Doug Kelly, members of the First Nations Health Council and First Nations Health Society, Elders and other distinguished guests.

Good morning,

Today is an historic occasion, as we celebrate a milestone for First Nations health in British Columbia.

Before I go on, I want to acknowledge that we are meeting in the traditional territory of the Coast Salish people, and I thank them for their hospitality.

In 2007, my predecessor, the Honourable Tony Clement, signed the innovative Tripartite First Nations Health Plan, along with then- Premier Gordon Campbell; Grand Chief Edward John, of the First Nations Summit; Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs; and now-National Chief Shawn Atleo, of the Assembly of First Nations.

This plan came about because Prime Minister Stephen Harper recognized that Canada's First Nations need to be partners in the design and delivery of health programs and services for First Nations. I want to thank the Prime Minister for his leadership on this issue.

This Plan was the blueprint that guided the work of the federal and provincial governments and BC First Nations in developing a new governance structure for First Nations health.

Our partnership is a new way of doing business. I am so proud that our hard work has finally paid off.

Today, I'm honoured to represent the Government of Canada in signing the Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nation Health Governance, along with the province of British Columbia, the First Nations Health Society, and the First Nations Health Council.

This Agreement is the first of its kind for First Nations health in Canada. It promotes a more integrated model of health service delivery for British Columbia First Nations. And it creates a health governance structure that will more effectively respond to First Nations needs.

A British Columbia First Nations Health Authority is at the heart of this new structure. Through this Authority, programs and services will be designed, delivered, and managed by First Nations for First Nations, and in ways that best meet First Nations needs.

This Agreement also enables First Nations to work directly with provincial health authorities as they make decisions about the services and programs that they provide to First Nations.

As we celebrate this achievement, I want to assure you that Health Canada is a committed partner. We will be here to support the effective implementation of this Agreement.

We will work closely with the First Nations Health Society to ensure a smooth transfer of the roles and responsibilities of our regional office. And we are confident many federal public servants will move to the First Nations Health Authority and continue to provide their knowledge and support to First Nations health. Rest assured we will continue to be your heath governance partner well into the future.

This landmark achievement would not have been possible without the commitment of many dedicated individuals. I want to make special mention of Grand Chief Doug Kelly, First Nations Health Council Chair; and Warner Adam, Deputy Chair, as well as other members of the First Nations Health Council.

I also applaud National Chief Shawn Atleo, whose leadership has been so critical in this work. My thanks also to the numerous staff in the provincial Ministry of Health and employees at Health Canada and other departments who have worked hard to enable us to be here today to sign this historic agreement.

Building a new First Nations Health Authority is no easy task. But I know we can and we will do it.

We have much work ahead of us. But the results will be worth it.

Thank you to all of you. Qujannamiik.