Question Period Note: First Nations Health Authority

In 2013, the role in the design, management, and delivery of First Nations health programming in British Columbia was transferred from the federal government to the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).
Indigenous Services Canada has continued to act as a funder and a governance partner but is not involved in their management or First Nations leadership.
We are in communication with the First Nations Health Authority, with the shared goal of ensuring that services for First Nation communities in British Columbia are not disrupted.

On October 1, 2013, the Government of Canada transferred its role in the design, management, and delivery of First Nations health programming in British Columbia to the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). The FNHA provides funding through contribution agreements to First Nations and First Nation organizations in British Columbia.

FNHA is controlled by First Nations and works with the province to coordinate health service delivery and programs for First Nations in BC.

On December 13, an article in the Vancouver Sun reported that Grand Chief Doug Kelly, former Chair of the First Nations Health Council (FNHC) was suing the FNHA over allegations of conflict of interest related to Joe Gallagher, former CEO of the FNHA. This article reported that the CEO had placed his former wife, Harmony Johnson, into the position of Vice-President, Policy, Planning and Quality without competition.

The FNHA is a not-for-profit corporation incorporated under the BC Societies Act. Through this initiative, the FNHA was established to be accountable to BC First Nations and oversee by an independent Board of Directors.

Funding is provided by both federal and provincial governments. The federal government provided in FY 2019-20 approximately $526M. While funding is provided by both federal and provincial governments, consistent with the BC Tripartite Framework Agreement signed by federal and provincial governments, there are specific corporate governance requirements to ensure strong internal financial and governance controls. This includes specific conflict of interest and employee selection provisions which must be followed.

As an independent third-party organization that operates outside of the federal government, these are internal matters to the FNHA and FNHC which the federal government will follow closely to ensure no disruption in services and to ensure that key commitments from the tripartite agreements are maintained.

The FNHA maintains a unique position in the provincial system with focus on improving community-based services, improving access to and integration with mainstream services, and addressing the underlying determinants of health.

The FNHA is a major player in the health sector with an ability to influence provincial health policies and programs and is a recognized voice for First Nations in BC.

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