Aboriginal Health Transition Fund

Announced in 2005, the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund (AHTF) is a $200 million initiative aimed at addressing the gap in health status between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians by improving access to existing health services.

The Aboriginal Health Transition Fund supports:

• First Nations and Inuit communities in identifying and implementing projects that promote the integration of federally-funded health services within First Nation and Inuit communities, with those funded by provincial and territorial governments;
• Provinces and territories in adapting their health services to better meet the needs of Aboriginal Canadians, including First Nations living on and off reserve, Inuit and Métis; and
• Aboriginal people's participation in the design, delivery and evaluation of health programs and services.

Since 2006, the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund has funded 311 Aboriginal health-related projects across all provinces and territories, which will conclude by March 2011. The projects piloted different approaches to better coordinate and adapt health services in areas such as: e-health, substance abuse, child and youth care, mental health, chronic disease, public health, home care and governance.

Estimated reach of Aboriginal Health Transition Fund projects

Some results are already apparent. Partners are reporting:

• An increase in partnerships among Aboriginal groups and different levels of government in the health care system;
• Increased awareness on behalf of provincial/territorial governments regarding Aboriginal health issues;
• Increased awareness of provincial/territorial health services by Aboriginal organizations;
• Increased participation of Aboriginal people in the design, delivery and evaluation of health services;
• Improved integration and adaptation of existing health services; and
• Improved access to certain health services available to Aboriginal people.