Question Period Note: Nursing Shortages

• We acknowledge the concerns regarding the capacity of health professionals. We have expanded existing contracts and entered into new contracts for additional nursing resources in First Nations communities, as needed.

• We are also assessing the need for other health professionals such as physicians, paramedics and first line responders to help support emergency responses in communities.

• We will continue to work with partners to ensure that Indigenous communities are prepared to respond to a COVID-19 outbreak.

N/A

If pressed on Cuban nurses
• We are working with partners, such as the Southern Chiefs Organization, the Province of Manitoba and First Nation communities to plan for the continuation of health services as we manage the response to COVID-19.

• Indigenous Services Canada will continue to take a broad approach, including working with the Province of Manitoba, to solicit additional health professionals for communities that may require surge capacity support.