Remarks for Minister of Health - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq - Crown First Nations Gathering

January 24, 2012
Ottawa, Ontario

Check Against Delivery

Good Morning

I am honoured to speak with you today at this important gathering. 

I'm pleased to have the opportunity to speak about partnerships and relationships.  It is a topic that is close to my heart. 

I believe that relationships create a foundation that allows us to work in new and innovative ways. 

Partnership creates focus on common goals, which means there is a greater chance of making a difference for individuals, families and First Nations communities.

The Government of Canada, the governments of the provinces and territories and First Nations all want to improve access to quality health services for First Nations.

A great example of this commitment is the new model of health governance in British Columbia.  This new way of working together comes from our common beliefs and values.

With this new approach built on the foundation of relationship and partnership, I believe it will lead to better health outcomes for British Columbia First Nations.  

This new model is rooted in the innovative Tripartite First Nations Health Plan, signed in 2007.   Prime Minister Harper recognized that First Nations must 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 federal and provincial governments and BC First Nations.  The partnership and the trust embodied in this Plan created a foundation for a new relationship.  It allowed us to work together in new ways and move beyond the issues that had been obstacles in the past.

The success of the Tripartite Health Plan led to the Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nation Health Governance, signed in October.

It is a historic first for Canada.

I was proud to sign this Agreement for Canada, because it represents a new approach to the design and delivery of essential health programs and services.  They include nursing, Non-Insured Health Benefits, community-based health programs, and environmental health.

The Agreement is the beginning of a new stage of the process. It promotes a continuing relationship between British Columbia First Nations and governments. 

This would not have been possible without the commitment of many dedicated individuals.  I want to thank Grand Chief Doug Kelly and the BC First Nations Health Council for their leadership, and National Chief Shawn Atleo for his support.   I also want to mention the efforts of my colleague, Minister Michael DeJong, and the support of the Government of British Columbia for this initiative.

While the BC Tripartite agreement is one significant example of partnership, there is significant work happening across the country.

Much of our success has been achieved through the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund. 

The Aboriginal Health Transition Fund provided financial support for over 300 projects.  The majority were under the direction of Aboriginal peoples.

The experiences gained with the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund have reinforced that partnership and relationship are key to better outcomes for the health of First Nations.  Some factors for success include:

• More  service delivery models that  benefit  multiple communities;
• Understanding that we have a  common purpose;
• being practical and having realistic expectations ;
• Remain open to change and not be afraid to  re-examine  the current programs and services we deliver;
• And always keep in mind   that we must respond to the needs and priorities of communities and that they must have a say in how changes are made.

All of these factors can be traced back to a need to work in relationship and partnership.

To encourage the right kind of developments, our Government established the Health Services Integration Fund, an initiative supporting projects aimed at better aligning health programs and services serving First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

We are also participating in a number of other initiatives across the country with First Nations, provinces and territories. 

For instance, since the spring of 2011, we have been co-chairing the Trilateral First Nations Health Senior Officials Committee, with Ontario First Nations and the Ontario Ministry of Health.   This committee has identified mental health and addictions, public health, diabetes and data management as priorities.

To see results in any of these key areas, partnership and relationship are essential 

This collaboration builds on previous successes in Ontario, most notably the Sioux Lookout Four Party Agreement and the Weeneebayko Area Health Integration Framework Agreement. 

In Saskatchewan, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2008 has paved the way for significant progress toward a 10-year First Nations Health and Wellness Plan.

This work is an expression of the long-term commitment by the Government of Saskatchewan, the Government of Canada and Saskatchewan First Nations organizations.  We will work together to improve the quality, performance and accessibility of health services. 

The partners to the MOU will build on their current health programs and services to promote the health and well-being of First Nations individuals and families within their communities, both on and off reserve. 

I am also encouraged by the interest expressed by the Province of Manitoba and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs to explore opportunities for better collaboration to improve First Nations health outcomes in the province. We are optimistic that the progress can be made to enhance access to services, particularly considering the geographic isolation faced by many First Nations communities in this Region.

There are many examples of government and First Nations working together.

The Government of Canada is open to innovative approaches. We recognize that every region faces its own challenges and requires a unique model.

I hope that our gathering today energizes all of us to form new relationships and find common objectives.  A better future for First Nations is what lies ahead.

Thank you to all of you. Qujannamiik.