Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to providing quality health care services to first nation communities, including Garden Hill. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family following the illness of their children and the loss of their son.
The government is committed to addressing the broader health issues for all Canadians and to continue working with first nation communities to attend to the determinants of health of its first peoples.
Patient confidentiality prevents me from talking specifics of this case. All complaints regarding client care are reviewed by Health Canada medical staff. Health Canada also offers continued support and to debrief the family following completion of reviews.
Health Canada invests over $2.1 billion nationally for health services to first nations and Inuit. Budget 2009 commits $305 million over the next two years to strengthen current programs and improve health outcomes. This will be supported by an additional $135 million that will go towards health services infrastructure, including health clinics and nursing stations. This funding was announced in Winnipeg on September 1.
In Manitoba, Health Canada's first nation and Inuit health branch has an annual operating budget of approximately $350 million. Health Canada also provides first nations people living on or off reserve with health benefits not insured by provincial health care.
The provision of health services is a shared responsibility between federal and provincial governments. Primary care, including nursing, physician services and allied health can be accessed through federal nursing stations.
Health Canada works in coordination with the Province of Manitoba to provide physician services to a number of first nation communities, including Garden Hill. On-site physicians are provided in communities on an itinerant basis; however, the nurses are able to consult with a physician as required on a 24/7 basis.
Health Canada employs nurses to work in first nation communities across northern Manitoba. These health care professionals are committed to providing quality health care and have developed strong working relationships with their communities.
The Garden Hill First Nation is served by a recently built nursing station. Community health nurses working at Garden Hill are available on a 24/7 basis. On average, there are six to seven nurses on-site at the nursing station.
On April 16 of this year, Health Canada officials travelled to Garden Hill to hear the concerns of community leadership first-hand. In addition, officials continue to travel regularly to Garden Hill First Nation to meet with community leadership and staff. During these meetings, Health Canada officials hear the community's concerns and work collaboratively toward resolution of issues.
The nursing stations provide primary care, public health and basic emergency services. Clients requiring additional care are transferred to a hospital via medical evacuation following consultation with a physician.
This Conservative government is committed to improving the health of first nations and Inuit across the country, as evidenced by our budget 2009 commitment of $440 million over the next two years.
We will continue to work with the Garden Hill First Nation community, the immediate family, and first nation communities across this country to support them in times of crisis and to work with them to maintain and enhance individual, family and community wellness.