MNBC sign Letter of Understanding Ensuring Better Health Delivery Services to Métis on Vancouver Island

On March 22nd, 2019, following the opening ceremonies of the 2019 Métis Nation BC Governing Assembly in Richmond, Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) President Clara Morin Dal Col, and Island Health Chair Ms. Leah Hollins, signed a Letter of Understanding (LOU). The LOU outlines a framework in which the Parties will work together to increase MNBC’s influence in decision making related to health services that impact Métis individuals, families and communities within the Island Health region.

MNBC Minister of Health, Susie Hooper, and President and CEO of Island Health, Kathryn MacNeil, witnessed the signing and gift exchange.

MNBC President Morin Dal Col commented “As the Métis National Council’s Minister for Health, and the President of Métis Nation British Columbia, I am excited to sign off on the Letter of Understanding between MNBC and Island Health. As a Port Alberni resident, this is especially good news! We look forward to the collective work ahead of us to ensure the planning and delivery of culturally appropriate health services to Métis individuals, family and communities within the Island Health region.”

“We are honoured to recognize and formalize our relationship with the Metis Nation of B.C. and the Metis Chartered communities in the region we serve, said Leah Hollins, Chair of the Island Health Board of Directors. The signing of the letter of understanding builds on work we have started together… to improve access to health services, health outcomes and provide opportunities to bring lasting change in the delivery of health and care to Metis people.”

Following the signing, Regional Director for Vancouver Island & Powell River, Mr. Michael Dumont and the Métis Chartered Community Presidents from Campbell River, Courtenay, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Duncan and Victoria joined Leadership at the front for a gift exchange and photo opportunity.

The signing of this LOU demonstrates the commitment to work towards the betterment and improvement of health services for the Métis Chartered Communities and Métis people within the Island Health Authority.

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Media Contacts:

Tracey Thornhill
Manager of Communications & Special Events Métis Nation BC 604-557-5851 / 1-800-940-1150
Email: traceyt@mnbc.ca
www.mnbc.ca

Shannon Marshall
Director, Internal Engagement & Media and Government Relations
Island Health phone 250-370-8270
Email: shannon.marshall@viha.ca
www.islandhealth.ca

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