Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you very much to the officials for being here again. It's always good to see you.
When I'm looking through the main estimates book, I see strategic outcome number four says: “Better health outcomes and reduction of health inequalities between First Nations and Inuit and other Canadians.”
I have three questions I want to ask. I'll ask the questions and then just leave it open for response.
I want to know how the aboriginal health transition fund is improving health outcomes for aboriginal Canadians.
I would like to know what investments are being made by Health Canada to improve the quality of health services for first nations and Inuit.
Thirdly, we all know we're in uncertain economic times, and that you as well as everyone else in the government is under pressure to do more with less. I know that in the past Health Canada has funded a range of programs to address improved health outcomes for first nations and Inuit. Because of the economic times, will the government continue to make those commitments, such as the prescription drugs and other important programs? Are they going to make those still available for first nations and Inuit? Or are there going to be cutbacks in those areas?