From: Indigenous Services Canada
News release
July 26, 2018 – COAST SALISH TERRITORY Vancouver, BC – Indigenous Services Canada
Today Don Rusnak, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services on behalf of Minister Jane Philpott, the Province of British Columbia and the First Nations Health Council were pleased to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on improving mental health and wellness in BC First Nations.
This MOU strengthens the announcement made on May 17, 2018, that highlighted the shared commitment of all partners on improving mental health and wellness services, supports and outcomes in BC First Nations by establishing a new approach for federal and provincial investments.
Quotes
“Signing this MOU today with the First Nations Health Council and the Province of British Columbia marks another step forward in our shared work to improve mental health and wellness services and supports. This First Nations-led vision will provide greater flexibility and a heightened focus on health outcomes. I applaud the First Nations Health Council for their leadership on this file.”
The Honourable Jane Philpott, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services
“First Nations communities tell us that mental health and wellness is a top priority across all five health regions. Chiefs and caregivers tell us that mental health and wellness is not absence of illness but is a balancing of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of wellness. This MOU enables action with a commitment of funds to support innovative community-driven models for mental health and wellness services. It will also support infrastructure renovations and new development within First Nations communities in BC.”
Grand Chief Doug Kelly
Chair of the First Nations Health Council
“Working together and putting people at the centre of our partnership will create the best results for First Nations people in BC. We are committed to this new approach that will give First Nations in B.C. the resources they need to support the mental health and wellness of their communities. Concrete action on health and wellness is a key measure of our commitment to reconciliation.”
The Honourable Judy Darcy
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, British Columbia
Quick facts;
Associated links
Contacts
Rachel Rappaport
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Indigenous Services
819-934-2796
Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
Media Relations
Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
250-802-8438
Media Relations
First Nations Health Council
604-831-4898
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