FSIN questions lack of invite from Ottawa to government health meetings
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is displeased after not receiving an invitation to discuss funding and ongoing issues with healthcare across Canada.
Canada’s premiers have all been invited by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss topics such as healthcare transfer funding in Ottawa.
Premiers and leaders are asking for the transfer from the federal government to be increased from 22 to 35 per cent.
FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said being excluded raises some serious concerns.
“Obviously we have serious concerns when it comes to our perspective and position when it comes to these high-level meetings and decisions being made for First Nations without our involvement and participation,” Cameron said in an interview with CTV Morning Live.
Cameron said excluding First Nations in 2023 during a time when words like reconciliation are commonly used shows that Indigenous Peoples concerns are not a high priority.
“If that was the case we would be [invited to] these high-level discussions and decision making tables every step of the way.”
Cameron said while inclusion is a main concern for Indigenous Peoples, they also feel they have input that is crucial to improving the quality of life for First Nations when it comes to healthcare.
“Without our involvement and input it will fail,” Cameron said.
Cameron said factoring in the cost of living and the challenges that come with healthcare access to northern and remote communities is critical to making improvements.
“The list goes on and on why it’s so crucial for First Nation people to be involved every step of the way,” Cameron said.
Meetings between Ottawa and the premiers are scheduled to begin next week (Feb. 6).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.