Question Period Note: Budget 2021 Indigenous Health Investments

• Our Government is committed to help address the unique health challenges faced by Indigenous communities through a distinctions-based, Indigenous-led approach.

• Budget 2021 proposes a historic new investment of over $18 billion over the next five years, to improve the quality of life and create new opportunities for people living in Indigenous communities.

• Investments will support Indigenous communities in the fight against COVID-19, help improve health outcomes in Indigenous communities, support a distinctions-based mental wellness strategy, and support efforts to address anti-Indigenous racism in the health system.
Budget investments in COVID-19

• Our Government remains fully committed to supporting the COVID-19 response in Indigenous communities.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide an additional $1.2 billion in 2021-22 to continue supporting the ongoing COVID-19 response in Indigenous communities, including:

o $478.1 million to continue to support the ongoing public health response to COVID-19 in Indigenous communities, and

o An additional $760.8 million for the Indigenous Community Support Fund to help First Nations, Inuit, Métis Nation communities, and urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations serving Indigenous peoples meet the unique needs of their populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Budget investments in improving health outcomes in Indigenous Communities

• For far too long, Indigenous peoples have experienced poorer health outcomes compared to non-Indigenous Canadians.

• Since 2015, our Government has invested over $5.5 billion to improve access to high-quality and culturally appropriate health services, and to support distinctions-based priorities.

• Budget 2021 proposes to invest an additional $1.4 billion over five years and $40.6 million ongoing to improve health outcomes.

• This funding will support the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program; increase the number of medical professionals in remote and isolated First Nations communities; continue efforts to transform health care service design and delivery in First Nations communities; support access to clean water; and, help manage the health impacts of climate change.
Budget investments in Mental Wellness

• Our government is committed to supporting Indigenous peoples and communities as they seek to heal from historical trauma and the intergenerational impacts of colonization.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $597.6 million over three years for a distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategy with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.

• This strategy will renew funding for the Indian Residential Schools Health Supports Program and Crisis Line. It will also enhance community-based supports and capacity, increase substance use treatment and prevention, and support workforce development.
Budget investments in Anti-Indigenous Racism

• The death of Joyce Echaquan last year made clear the devastating consequences of anti-Indigenous racism in our health care systems.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $126.7 million over three years to take action to foster health systems free from racism and discrimination where Indigenous peoples are respected and safe.

• This funding will support patient advocates, health system navigators, and cultural safety training for medical professionals.

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