I am pleased to speak today on the private member’s motion 66. Since our government was elected in 2018 and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our government has shown an unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the Indigenous people in Ontario. Our government’s goal is to improve the economic, social, health and well-being of First Nations across the province of Ontario. As the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Health, I would like to emphasize that the ministry supports a wide range of Indigenous-led programs and services across Ontario which provide a high quality of care to First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous peoples, families and communities.

However, our government recognizes that health outcomes for Indigenous people are lower than those of other Ontarians. We acknowledge the pressing need to bridge existing disparities in health care outcomes, and we are dedicated to fostering a future where every individual, regardless of their cultural identity, receives equal access to high-quality health care.

The Ministry of Health continues to work with First Nations communities and the federal government through dedicated trilateral processes and relationship agreements to explore options to transform First Nations health. In 2022-23, the ministry approved over $2 million for five First Nations partners to support this initiative: Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Anishnabek Nation Union of Ontario Indians, Grand Council Treaty 3, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, and Six Nations of the Grand River. The ministry also partners with First Nations, Indigenous service partners and organizations across Ontario to engage their communities on important issues in the health care sector such as improving primary care, mental health and more. We have taken concrete steps to address these challenges, investing significant resources into Indigenous-led programs and services across the province.

Our government is working with Indigenous partners to improve Indigenous health outcomes through several key initiatives. We support Indigenous cultural safety training and Indigenous relationship and cultural awareness courses for the mainstream health care sector through the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council and Ontario Health, respectively. We are also working in partnership with Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Anishnabek Nation Union of Ontario Indians, Grand Council Treaty 3, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, Six Nations of the Grand River and the federal government to advance First Nations transformation and improve access to safe and effective health care services closer to where people live. Investments in Indigenous-led services are under way across all sectors, including primary care.

The ministry funds 21 Indigenous primary health care organizations across the province, with sites both on- and off-reserve that deliver a wide range of services. On June 20, I had the honour of joining my colleague the MPP for Cambridge for the opening of the SOAHAC, Southern Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre, in Cambridge, and we announced new base funding of more than $1.566 million to the SOAHAC for primary care access. During the tour, I had the honour of having a great conversation with an Indigenous nurse, and she spoke to me about how, as an Indigenous nurse, she approaches care for Indigenous patients. She’s also a teacher, to teach other nurses specifically Indigenous health care.

Also, the investments in Indigenous-led services include public health, seniors’ care, long-term care and mental health and wellness. Initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities have been infused with substantial financial support.

Firstly, our government is investing over $40 million in Indigenous-specific mental health and addictions programming through the Roadmap to Wellness initiative. This was a direct ask from Indigenous partners who see the need for these types of services to enhance the overall well-being of their communities.

Also, the Ontario government announced on October 10 that we are now offering more mental health services in every region of the province, through the expanded Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program, the OSP. This program is to help adults across the province with mental health concerns connect to free cognitive behavioural therapy and other related services. The OSP Program and each regional network works with local Indigenous partners in all parts of Ontario to develop an approach to service delivery that best serves Indigenous communities. This program ensures that all Ontarians can now have more convenient access to mental health care closer to home. We know that this funding is essential to the development of culturally safe and Indigenous-led mental health and addiction services, both on- and off-reserve.

Additionally, we are allocating $90 million over three years, which started in 2021-22, through the Addictions Recovery Fund. These funds are being utilized for critical initiatives such as providing $4.2 million to the Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord group for addictions services and allocating over $3.8 million for new addiction treatment beds in Thunder Bay’s St. Joseph’s Care Group and Dilico Anishinabek Family Care. And we are investing in all corners of the province.

The government is also investing in the development of an Indigenous-led youth wellness hub, located in Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation. This new youth wellness hub will provide culturally appropriate and safe supports to Indigenous youth between the ages of 12 and 24.

Furthermore, the emergency medical assistance team’s mental health response team maintains capacity to respond to mental health emergencies in First Nations and remote communities and continues to improve its self-sufficiency when deploying to remote communities—for example, for accommodations, meals, water etc.—to avoid utilizing resources from host communities. The emergency medical assistance team is staffed by paid volunteers who work in the professional health system.

The ministry continues to work with regional and local health partners to support First Nations who have declared social emergencies and who have requested provincial assistance. The ministry collaborates with Ontario Health, local health partners and the federal government to support communities.

In the realm of primary care, we are working closely with Indigenous partners to transform health care services. The ministry provides funding to the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council, the IPHCC, to develop strategies, tools and resources, including educational and training materials, to support Ontario health teams with meaningful Indigenous engagement, as well as encourage Indigenous providers and communities to participate in the Ontario health team process and the delivery of integrated care. Collaborative efforts have been supported by a substantial investment of over $2 million in 2022-23 for five First Nation partners.

Additionally, we are investing significantly in infrastructure and resources to address long-standing challenges. For instance, we have pledged $90 million for the construction and operational costs of the Mercury Care Home in Grassy Narrows First Nation. The ministry provides $1 million in annual funding to the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council for the delivery of an Indigenous cultural safety training program created specifically for individuals working in the health care sector. This facility will provide essential health services, programs and assisted daily living support, enabling community members to remain in their community for as long as possible.

In the critical area of safe drinking water, we are collaborating with First Nations communities and the federal government. While the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act has been repealed, we are actively working on a new draft proposal, focusing on the long-term sustainability of each community’s water infrastructure. The province is providing technical support and recommendations, reinforcing our government’s dedication to resolving long-term drinking water advisories.

To support these initiatives and investments, we have implemented robust legislative provisions, including the creation of Indigenous health councils. These councils are instrumental in advising the ministry about health and service delivery issues related to Indigenous people.

In conclusion, our government is taking action each and every day to create a future where Indigenous peoples in Ontario enjoy improved health outcomes and equitable access to health care. There is still much to be done, and we look forward to working with Indigenous and federal partners to improve health outcomes for Indigenous peoples in Ontario. Together with Indigenous leaders and partners, we are building a healthier, more equitable future for all.