Evidence of meeting #18 for Indigenous and Northern Affairs in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was care.

A video is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Clerk of the Committee  Ms. Vanessa Davies
Valerie Gideon  Associate Deputy Minister, Department of Indigenous Services
Scott Doidge  Director General, Non-Insured Health Benefits Directorate, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Department of Indigenous Services
Colleen Erickson  Board Chair, First Nations Health Authority
Richard Jock  Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Health Authority
Jessie Messier  Interim Manager, Health Services, First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission
Orpah McKenzie  Director, Keewaytinook Okimakanak eHealth Telemedicine Services, Nishnawbe Aski Mental Health and Addictions Support Access Program
Carl Dalton  Chief Executive Officer, Dalton Associates, Nishnawbe Aski Mental Health and Addictions Support Access Program

3:05 p.m.

Interim Manager, Health Services, First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission

Jessie Messier

I'd like to quickly point out that the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission doesn't provide services directly to members of the public. However, the dramatic story of Joyce Echaquan in Quebec shone a bright light on the consequences of colonialism and the discrimination resulting from it. I can only agree with your position to think about and promote a holistic approach, as long as it's determined by the first nations people themselves.

3:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Marc Garneau

Thank you.

Finally, Mr. Dalton or Ms. McKenzie, would you like to respond to Ms. Idlout's question?

3:05 p.m.

Director, Keewaytinook Okimakanak eHealth Telemedicine Services, Nishnawbe Aski Mental Health and Addictions Support Access Program

Orpah McKenzie

I could respond.

Yes, I've really seen in my work over many years that colonialism definitely has had an impact on the lives of the Nishnawbe Aski people. I can speak only for our own people, because that's where I've worked most of my life.

I think that working together in the last few years with various levels of government and other groups to create programs has been one of the main things we've done to try to ensure that everybody knows where we're coming from, and that we have a voice, whatever project we're working on, especially in the area of virtual emergency care, which was started about four years ago. We now have 17 communities hooked up to virtual emergency care.

This year, we've been working on four extra sites, but with the pandemic, it's been slow going. We're still working on it, but I think the more we try to work together.... I look at some of the things from the work that's been done with the.... I forget what it's called, but anyway, if we can take a look at some of those recommendations, I think that would help us to address some of the issues that have been plaguing us, I guess, in the areas of health and mental health over so many years.

Meegwetch.

3:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Marc Garneau

Thank you very much, Ms. McKenzie.

This brings our panel to a close.

I would like to thank all of the witnesses for being with us this afternoon.

Thank you for sharing your testimony and answering our questions. It's been very informative for the committee and will help us in our deliberations.

Thank you again, everyone. I wish everyone a happy Mother's Day.

With that, this meeting is adjourned.