NAN chief pressures government to act on auditor report

Superior Morning4:46Political Pressure

First nations leaders in Ontario and Manitoba are putting pressure on the federal government to change the face of health care. We speak with Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.

NishnawbeAski Nation in northern Ontariois teaming up with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak to put pressure on Ottawa to improve the state of health care for aboriginal people.

The move comes in response to a recent report by Canada's Auditor General examining health care services for First Nations people in both provinces.

Among several concerns raised, the report found Health Canada failed to ensure nurses in remote communities had adequate medical training, equipment and supports,particularly when asked to provide emergency care.

NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said this report just confirms what First Nations leaders in northern Ontario and Manitoba have been saying for years.

"There is a huge gap in terms of how the health care system is delivered in our communities," said Fiddler.

He saidHealth Canada has already agreed with the report's recommendations.

"So, the next step for us now is asking the Minister of HealthRonaAmbrose to meet with us to develop a course of action," Fiddler said.

He saidit needs to be a collaborative process to implement the recommendations on a priority basis.