Thank you, Madam Chair.
I would like to thank all the witnesses. I think it's very timely that we've started this study, certainly in terms of the very recent release of the full study and report from the Sisters In Spirit.
I've always felt very fortunate to be from British Columbia and to live in Canada, but I have to share a sense of shame to know that my province and my country are identified as one of the worst in terms of missing aboriginal women and children. No one can feel anything but shame over those circumstances.
I appreciate all the very significant and good work of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. I was there for part of the debate, and I listened to some very powerful statements and comments by different members. I also have to look at...you know, within my riding, there was actually nothing happening. They weren't able to take advantage of any of the resources; there were no specific initiatives.
Also perhaps--this is in other ridings too--Health Canada might have the money, but most of the health care services, at least in my riding, have been devolved to the bands. They've been devolved to the groups. So hopefully what's going to happen is that this will allow an integration, managed by the bands, managed by groups like the Q'wemtsin Health Society, not only to provide some additional support but also to integrate it into a whole network and fabric of care. Certainly the intention of our government is to provide that support more broadly. It is not in any way to diminish the incredibly excellent work that was done.
A number of people talked about having data. I'm going to date myself--I do this sometimes--but I certainly remember that in the 1980s there was an identification of different ethnic groups within the health care system. That was seen as inappropriate and wrong, so I think we moved away from it.
How did it work in Saskatchewan? How did you get agreement to collect data in a way that was respectful to everyone involved?