Mr. Speaker, this week while the Prime Minister and his Conservative government host an international summit entitled “Saving Every Woman Every Child” in Toronto, they are letting down women around the world and here at home.
Aboriginal women in Canada face the highest levels of health insecurity in our country. This reality is linked to the higher levels of poverty and ever-present impacts of colonization. While indigenous communities try to effect change, the current government works against them. In Manitoba, the strengthening families maternal child health initiative at the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has made a difference. In 2010, a health director stated that it is “...the first program that has effectively addressed the damage of residential schools and child welfare policies of the past”. It has trained nurses and home visitors. In 2011, it was acknowledged by the Health Council of Canada as a partnership model of best practice.
First nations like War Lake, Pimicikamak, and others have seen a difference. Yet, a few short weeks ago, Health Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch announced it is cutting the funding. Today, I ask the Prime Minister to take leadership here at home, and support programs like the SF-MCH in Manitoba.