The Government of Canada congratulates the Timiskaming First Nation on the expansion of its health centre

July 6, 2018 – Timiskaming (QC) – Timiskaming First Nation and Indigenous Services Canada

Improving access to health care and social services for First Nations is a priority for the Government of Canada. This includes ensuring that families can access quality care and that sufficient, sustainable health resources are available in each community.

Today, the Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, on behalf of the Hon. Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulated the Algonquin community of Timiskaming on the expansion of their health centre.

The renovated building is nearly double its original size and now includes an annex to deliver community based activities specifically designed for children from 0 to 5 years. This shared space will allow children to benefit from culturally-appropriate activities in their language, while increasing access to nurses, early childhood practitioners and other health professionals for families. It is the first model of its kind in Canada, and was designed by the community to support its needs.

The renovation project was supported by a $3 285 000 million investment from the Government of Canada. The Timiskaming First Nation contributed an additional $ 254 000 to the project.

Quotes

“We are proud to have contributed to the renovation of the Timiskaming health centre, which includes the creation of new spaces that optimize access to quality care for children and families. The innovative children’s care annex was designed by the community to help meet their needs, while ensuring that young children can grow up with culturally appropriate services in their language. Congratulations on the success of this project!”

The Honourable Jane Philpott, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

“This project has given community members – particularly children and parents – new spaces with a range of dedicated services. This is a priority for us as it impacts our future. These new premises are a reflection of our ability to work as a team and to pool our various talents to realize a successful project from conception to completion.”

Chief Wayne McKenzie
Timiskaming First Nation

Quick facts

The Algonquin community of Timiskaming is located in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region of Quebec. It has a total of 2,187 members.
The total cost of the project is $3 539 000 million, with $ 254 000 provided by the Timiskaming First Nation and $3 285 000 million from the Government of Canada.
The expanded and renovated health center has increased from 680 m2 to 1400 m2.
The annex built to deliver the Aboriginal Head Start On-Reserve (AHSOR) program’s activities has been designed to welcome up to 20 children and their parents in a culturally appropriate safe place.
The common areas of the reception and the community hall have been renovated. They are now more spacious and more accessible to persons with disabilities and reduced mobility.
Brand new parking spaces have also been built to welcome visitors.
The work was completed by the community construction company.

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