PREMIER MEETS WITH NATIONAL ABORIGINAL LEADERS

Premier Lorne Calvert today urged the federal government, provincial governments and Aboriginal leaders to set aside their jurisdictional issues in order to improve the lives of Aboriginal people. Calvert called for action by First Ministers to work to dramatically reduce infant mortality rates amongst Aboriginal Canadians.

"We need to do better and this is the time to do better. The Prime Minister has said he is committed to improve the health of Aboriginal people. Premiers are committed to addressing the issue in partnership with Aboriginal people. Aboriginal organizations have put innovative ideas on the table. It is time to set aside our different constitutional views and work together to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people," Calvert said.

In his remarks at the meeting, Calvert pointed to the Athabasca Health Facility and the All Nations Healing Hospital in Fort Qu'Appelle as examples of success. Through these government and Aboriginal partnerships, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people receive high-quality health services.

Calvert said that besides working to integrate health services, governments and Aboriginal leaders need to do two things:

· Offer Aboriginal people an opportunity to participate in decision making at the regional, provincial and national level, and;

· Think not only in terms of health care, but also in terms of the determinants of health.

Statistics Canada's 2001 census concluded that Aboriginal people make up 13.5 per cent of Saskatchewan's population. The Aboriginal population is young and growing. Aboriginal people's health is generally poor in comparison to the non-Aboriginal population. Evidence points to the link between health outcomes and factors like education, work status, income and housing.

"Improving the determinants of health is no easy task. It will require a concerted effort from all of us. It will require a new level of trust and openness. I sense a real willingness to move forward on the part of First Ministers and National Leaders. I'd suggest we seize the moment."

The National Aboriginal Leaders met with Canada's Premiers and Prime Minister prior to the First Ministers' Meeting on health care held in Ottawa from September 13th - 15th.

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Carolyn Rebeyka Media Services Regina Phone: (306) 787-0963