MOMENTUM BUILDS TO CLOSE ABORIGINAL HEALTH GAP

VANCOUVER – The National Summit on Aboriginal Health co-chaired by B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell and National Chief Phil Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations concluded today with representatives from federal, provincial and territorial governments and First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders reaffirming their commitment to close the health gap that exists between Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians within a decade.

“The need to improve the health of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples is a priority of all Canadians, and we all share the responsibility to take action,” said Premier Campbell. “The broader health effects of an aging population and chronic conditions like diabetes have an even greater impact for Aboriginal communities, families, youth and elders, so we must act quickly and co-operatively.”

“This summit is an unprecedented gathering where all jurisdictions expressed their unwavering commitment to the plan to close the health-care gap, which we endorsed last year at the First Ministers’ Meeting on Aboriginal Issues,” said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine. “This demonstrates that the health of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples continues to be a priority for Canada and the time to take practical steps forward is now. Another year cannot be lost where no real progress is achieved.

“I called upon all governments to rededicate ourselves to specific targets, meet annually, negotiate cross-jurisdictional agreements and monitor progress. I wish to thank Premier Campbell for his dedication to fostering partnerships and working on these issues, as well as Inuit and Métis leaders who advocate for action relating to the unique needs of Inuit and Métis populations,” concluded National Chief Fontaine.

Priorities identified in discussions at today’s meeting included:

· Supporting a rapidly expanding Aboriginal youth population and reducing suicide;

· Pursuing integrated and holistic approaches to chronic disease prevention and management focused on diabetes in Aboriginal communities;

· Developing partnerships to increase access for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to quality health care;

· Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and reducing non-traditional use of tobacco;

· Improving access to medical transportation for rural and remote First Nations and Inuit communities;

· Involvement of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in the governance process of the Canadian partnership against cancer;

· Acting to improve supports for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples dealing with addictions and mental health challenges;

· Establishing health advocates and patient liaisons for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples;

· Eliminating violence against Aboriginal women as a critical step in building healthier communities and promoting maternal health; and

· Increasing the number of First Nations, Inuit and Métis health care professionals.

“This summit has been a great opportunity for us to strengthen the connections that will enable us to work together on new approaches to improve First Nations, Inuit and Métis health. I look forward to building on this collaboration in future,” said federal Minister of Health Tony Clement, who participated via videoconference.

Outcomes of today’s working meeting included:

· Promoting and supporting regional tripartite initiatives that can build on the successes already achieved and work to share those models across Canada;

· Advancing national priorities that address issues such as maternal and child health, youth suicide, cancer, diabetes and other outcomes;

· Sharing information, improving existing data collection systems and monitoring progress on health outcomes on an annual basis;

· Ensuring the sustainability of First Nations, Inuit and Métis health initiatives through innovative practices and service delivery; and

· A federal commitment to develop pilot projects to test wait times guarantees for First Nations, starting with the areas of prenatal and diabetes care.

“This is a journey we began in 2004 at the Special Meeting of First Ministers and Aboriginal Leaders and continued with the First Ministers’ Meeting a year ago and with this important next step today,” said Premier Campbell. “We have made a commitment to meet annually to share our progress and ensure we are meeting our commitment to close the gaps. While there is much more to be done, we also heard today that progress is being made and I believe we can duplicate those successes across Canada with the leadership demonstrated by our partners here today.”

Manitoba Premier Gary Doer offered to host a second meeting next fall. The co-chairs invited representatives of governments and the national Aboriginal organizations to participate in planning and co-ordination on the outcomes identified in preparation for next year’s gathering.

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Media contact:	Dale Steeves Communications Director Office of the Premier 250 361-7783	Bryan Hendry A/Director of Communications Assembly of First Nations 613 293-6106 613 241-6789 ext 229 E-mail: bhendry@afn.ca

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