Good afternoon, everyone.
I would like to thank you for allowing the Manitoba Métis Federation to speak here today. We are looking forward to this study on indigenous peoples' access to the non-insured benefits program and are excited to start a conversation on improving the health of our Red River Métis citizens.
Before I start the discussion, I would like to provide a few definitions and a little information about our identity.
The Manitoba Métis Federation is the indigenous collective that was historically known as the Red River Métis. We are Canada’s negotiating partners in Confederation and the founders of the great Province of Manitoba. Our collective or community goes beyond borders, and our citizens are today located within what is now Manitoba, as well as elsewhere inside and outside of Canada.
With our July 2021 Manitoba Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement, the MMF is the federally recognized government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis, a distinct indigenous people whose rights are recognized and affirmed as protected by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
The Manitoba Métis Federation has undertaken substantial health research based on samples of over 70,000 of our citizens. While MMF citizens are not covered under non-insured health benefits, the 2010 Métis atlas and subsequent studies have shown that overall health and life expectancy of Métis are poorer when compared to the rest of Manitobans. Social determinants of health, including socio-economic status and access to services, factor largely in this. The findings of our research indicate that the rate of chronic illness is extremely high in our communities. Heart disease is 40% higher than in the general Canadian population; arthritis is 22% higher; diabetes is 34% higher, and diabetes-related lower limb amputations are 49% higher.
In order to provide equitable and culturally appropriate services, Métis citizens in Manitoba require health and social programs and services that are developed and delivered by Métis citizens and Métis people.
In 2017, a prescription drug program was developed by the Manitoba Métis Federation and introduced to assist Métis seniors in need to ensure they were not out of pocket for medication expenses. To date, our prescription drug program has been funded solely by the Manitoba Métis Federation, despite our attempts to work with Canada to develop a partnership.
The PDP covers a comprehensive range of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications listed on the Manitoba pharmacare formulary. In addition, a small range of medical supplies and equipment items are covered by the program. At present, for the PDP supports, you have to maintain a current and valid MMF citizenship card; you have to be 55 or older; you have to have an annual income of $25,000 or less; you have to be enrolled in the Manitoba pharmacare program; and you have to agree to use MEDOCare Pharmacy as the sole dispensary.
The utilization rate of the program among eligible Métis seniors and older adults continues to rise. It has doubled from 2019-20 to the 2021-22 fiscal year. The program utilization is projected to climb, as seniors are known to have a higher prevalence of certain chronic conditions compared to younger Canadians, as well as lower incomes on pension plans.
Unlike non-insured health benefits medical coverage for first nations individuals, the PDP does not cover diagnostic services such as examinations, radiographs, audiology services, preventative services, orthotics, dental care and medical transportation and accommodation, to name a few. MMF is working on expanding the program to cover the services stated above to alleviate financial burdens on low-income Métis older adults. There is a demand for more and broader range of services. The Métis can work in complementarity with Manitoba and Canada.
The Manitoba Métis have the right to self-determination as recognized in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the inherent right to self-government recognized and affirmed by section 35. The right to self-determination includes the right to health in all its forms. This includes the administration and delivery of health care services, setting our own priorities, administering our own health care budgets and managing our own resources.
Provisions are needed to negotiate agreements or to promote the health, safety and welfare of Métis citizens within a defined area of pharmaceutical and medical services, and to enhance access.