Indigenous Health Advocates Face Funding Uncertainty in Quebec
Indigenous health advocates in Quebec are expressing concerns over the uncertainty surrounding funding, leaving communities in the dark about how they will be able to provide crucial health services.
Robert Bonspiel, president and director of First Nations Paramedics, emphasized the lack of progress over the years, dating back to 1988 when he started working in emergency medical services (EMS). He raised the alarm that without addressing these funding issues, the situation may not improve, potentially leading to incidents similar to the tragic case of Joyce Echaquan.
Derek Montour, the president of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for action to prevent a recurrence of such situations.
These concerns come in the aftermath of the Viens Commission, a public inquiry initiated by the Quebec government in 2016 to investigate the treatment of Indigenous peoples by public services, particularly in light of reports of police brutality and systemic discrimination in Val-d’Or. The commission’s final report in 2019 outlined 142 recommendations, with a significant focus on improving Indigenous healthcare and emergency services.
Bonspiel highlighted the challenges faced by many Indigenous communities, where delayed ambulance responses have resulted in unnecessary deaths or worsening medical conditions. Montour emphasized the importance of upholding Indigenous rights and ensuring that the recommendations put forth by the Viens Commission are implemented effectively.
In a recent report, Quebec’s ombudsman raised concerns that budget constraints could hinder the progress of implementing the Viens recommendations, urging the government to act on the remaining recommendations to improve healthcare access for Indigenous communities.
One proposed solution is the PRECA program, aimed at training community members in responding to medical emergencies in areas lacking local ambulance services. However, delays in funding approvals have hampered the implementation of such initiatives, leaving communities without the essential care they require.
Advocates stress that access to emergency medical services remains inconsistent in many Indigenous communities across Quebec, with 52 communities still lacking ambulance services and relying on alternative, often inadequate, forms of assistance.
Keyphrase: Indigenous healthcare Quebec
