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March 6, 2006 $3 Billion Shortfall in Health Care Funding is Next Big Crisis for First NationsMost Canadians are aware that First Nations people and communities are already dealing with critical health problems related to housing and clean drinking water. An analysis by the Assembly of First Nations identifies another potential crisis that could make this critical situation even worse if not addressed immediately. The AFN Health Secretariat estimates a funding shortfall of approximately $2.85 billion over the next five years in the national budget of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) of Health Canada, beginning April 1. “The $870 million announced during the First Ministers Meeting in Kelowna would have made an important contribution to addressing these shortfalls. This commitment needs to be immediately secured,” said National Chief Fontaine. “With a growing population – approximately 130,000 children under the age of nine years – along with increasing dental and pharmacy needs, First Nations children, adults, and elders would face an uphill battle for accessing basic health care needs.” “We are grateful for the $700 million in new funding, committed in September 2004, that is expected to make inroads in addressing critical health needs in First Nations communities, such as diabetes and suicide prevention,” added the National Chief. Funding shortfalls include a total of about $269 million in FNIHB funding claw-backs announced in the February 2005 Budget. To avoid more claw-backs, Health Canada should also benefit from the proposed rate of inflation and population growth exemption that has been granted to INAC. “The new Conservative government will be recalling Parliament one month from now, with a Federal Budget to follow,” noted the National Chief. “Health care is number one on the list of priorities for this government. We look forward to working closely with the government and with Minister Clement to ensure that this priority includes the people who need health services the most. The AFN presented detailed and strategic plans at the First Ministers Meeting and we need to see the resources required to implement those plans included in the upcoming budget. As well, we need to act now to ensure this potential shortfall is eradicated by working together cooperatively and constructively. Access to health care is a basic right for all people and a central value for all Canadians.” For more information on the FNIHB funding estimates, please see the link to a Communique sent to First Nations communities: For more information, contact: Bryan Hendry, AFN Health and Social Communications Officer Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director Ian McLeod, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer |
