Question Period Note: Forced and Coerced Sterilization

• Forced and coerced sterilization is a deeply troubling violation of human rights. It is evidence of racism in our health and social systems.

• Impacted individuals requiring mental health or crisis support can contact the 24/7 Hope for Wellness Line.

• The Government of Canada has committed to addressing anti-Indigenous racism in Canada's health systems. Budget 2021 provided $126.7 million over 3 years, beginning in 2021-22, to take action to foster health systems free from racism and discrimination where Indigenous Peoples are respected and safe

If pressed on forced and coerced sterilization
• All Indigenous women must receive culturally safe health services with fully informed consent.

• Of the $126.7 million anti-Indigenous racism investment, Budget 2021 will provide $33.3 million for Indigenous midwives and doulas, regional and grassroots organizations, and youth sexual health networks to increase awareness of reproductive rights.

• This investment includes funding for Indigenous women’s organizations to ensure their voices are heard and to support their work on racism and Indigenous women's health.

• The Advisory Committee on Indigenous Women’s Wellbeing is guiding our response.

If pressed further on actions being taken
• Following the death of Joyce Echaquan, the Government has convened three national meetings, bringing together Indigenous partners and governments, provincial and territorial governments, and healthcare providers to discuss racism in healthcare and hear the lived experiences of Indigenous patients and practitioners. These conversations are ongoing.

• Canada committed to working with all partners, including Indigenous organizations, provincial and territorial governments, health systems partners, and educational institutions, to develop a longer-term national approach to anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare.

• The longer-term approach will be informed by an ongoing national dialogue, the renewal of Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy and the co-development of distinctions-based health legislation.

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