MOU FAQ's

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN SASKATCHEWAN


1.    What does this MOU mean to First Nations?

Working with the FSIN, First Nations will have an opportunity to bring common health issues and new ideas regarding health care forward for consideration.  We expect this team approach will lead to innovation in health service delivery and enhancements to the health care provided First Nations people.

2.    How will the MOU change the way things are done right now?

Currently, the federal government, the province and First Nations have specific responsibilities when it comes to health care programming. There are places where those responsibilities overlap. In other places, there may be gaps in services where it’s unclear which level of government is responsible for a particular service or program. The MOU will create a process through which all three parties can work together to clarify responsibilities and fill gaps in service delivery.


3.    What kind of future arrangement between the three levels of government will this MOU create?

As a result of signing this MOU, the three parties have committed to establish a steering committee, with representation from all three parties, that will examine current issues and propose solutions in an attempt to improve First Nations health. The steering committee is required to report annually to the signatories on its progress..

4.    Why is this MOU necessary?  What led to this agreement?

In the past, the three parties have collaborated on a number of issues, but there has never been a formal process to address common issues and to establish common priorities for First Nations health.  The three parties realized that to effect meaningful change and improve the health status of First Nations, they would have to work together on achieving common goals.

5.    What kind of funding will be needed as a result of this change?

We know that there is some duplication of the health care services provided  First Nations and there are also gaps in health services provision.  It is possible that through this collaborative approach, the three parties may find efficiencies through re-alignment of existing services and no new money will be required.  Where new opportunities are identified, but no current funding currently existing, the steering committee will determine where new funding could be found.  

6.    Is there any funding attached to this MOU?

There is currently no funding attached to this MOU.  The FSIN has secured temporary funding to support the MOU implementation process through the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund – Integration Fund.  The funding will end on March 31, 2010.

7.    How will regional health authorities be involved

While regional health representatives will not be members of the steering committee, there may be opportunities for such representatives on subcommittees or working groups.  The Ministry of Health will ensure that RHAs are both informed and consulted when new ideas or proposed changes to the current delivery system are being explored.

8.    Will this new MOU supplant any existing or future relationships?

The MOU will not circumvent any existing or future relationships any of the parties or their affiliates currently have with individual bands, Tribal Councils or other First Nations organizations.  Similarly, regional health authorities will not be precluded from developing or continuing existing relationships with First Nations organizations.

9.    Recently the Treaty 6 Chiefs stated that the FSIN does not speak for them.  How can the FSIN be a party to this MOU if some First Nations do not recognize the FSIN as their representative?

All of the parties recognize that the FSIN is not a signatory to any treaties in Saskatchewan.  However, the FSIN does represent 74 Saskatchewan First Nations and is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the treaties, as well as promoting, protecting and implementing them.

All of the parties of the MOU recognize that consultation with the individual First Nations is essential in advancing change to better meet First Nations people’s health needs.  The parties intend, as part of this process, to develop a plan on how best to inform and consult with individual First Nations.

10.    Can you give me specific examples of the problems the MOU is meant to address?

There are situations where health service delivery is not meeting the needs of First Nations people.  Today’s signing of the MOU will provide the opportunity for the parties to collectively discuss how to address those situations.  The MOU steering committee’s first task will be to develop a work plan on how best to begin addressing obvious problems.

11.    How will it change the way health care is delivered?

It is expected that through a collaborative process of examining the current health service delivery systems, opportunities for improvement will be found.  It is also expected that these improvements will enhance health services for First Nations people and other Saskatchewan people.

12.    What is Jordan’s Principle?  Why is it relevant to this event?

In honour of Jordan Anderson, a First Nation Manitoba boy who died in a hospital hundreds of miles away from his family while awaiting funding approval for a group home located near his family, a child-first principle has been created which calls upon the federal government and the provincial / territorial governments to provide health services to First Nations children while the two jurisdictions determine who will pay for the needed services.

With the creation of the MOU steering committee, the parties will have the opportunity to examine specific Saskatchewan cases where First Nations children may be caught in jurisdictional funding disputes and how best the parties can work together to ensure the children receive the best available care.

13.    What are the next steps? What happens now?

With the signing of the MOU, the steering committee can be formally struck and begin its work examining how to improve health services to better meet the needs of First Nations people.  The steering committee will create a work plan with priorities.  Where more intensive work is required, the steering committee will strike subcommittees and working groups to explore particular issues more closely and to provide recommendations to the steering committee.  One activity that will be explored is the creation of a 10-year First Nation Health and Well-Being Plan..