Panel discussion: President Clément Chartier and Minister Clara Morin Dal Col, Moderator Dale Drown (CEO, MNBC)
Back l-r: Susie Cooper (Minister of Health, MNBC), Eduardo Vides (Senior Health Policy Advisor, MNC), President Clément Chartier (MNC), Tanya Davoren (Director of Health, MNBC)
Front l-r: Wendi Parenteau (MMF), Tammy Chief (MMF)
Public Health 2018 is the national forum where public health professionals,
researches, policy-makers, academics, students and trainees come together to
strengthen efforts to improve health and well-being, to share the latest research and
information, to promote best practices and to advocate for public health issues and
policies grounded in research.
The Métis Nation is actively addressing the health and wellness of Métis people and
communities through evidence- and culture-based approaches. The Métis Nation is
committed to improving health and wellness outcomes in collaboration with federal
and provincial governments and other partners. The Canada-Métis Nation Accord
provides a distinctions-based, nation-to-nation mechanism to effectively advance
health and wellness through Métis governments.
President Chartier spoke on who are the Métis and Minister Morin Dal Col explained
why Métis are a distinct culture and the holistic approach rooted in culture and
history to promote health and wellness and reduce the burden of illness. Minister
Morin Dal Col also set out a Métis Specific health model, explaining how health and
wellness is perceived in Métis communities as well as how culturally-informed
strategies and actions can help promote Métis health and wellness, and reduce
health disparities in Canadian society.
At her conclusion, Minister Morin Dal Col made four recommendations:
- Recommendation #1: That the government of Canada ensure meaningful
engagement of the Métis Nation in the development and implementation of a
regulatory framework for cannabis;
- Recommendation #2: That the federal government provide the Métis Nation
with resources to minimize the harms of cannabis use in the Métis
population;
- Recommendation #3: That funding be provided by the Government of
Canada to support prevention education and treatment supports, especially
for Métis youth;
- Recommendation #4: That the Government of Canada work with the Métis
Nation in enforcing public safety and protection.
In the afternoon at a panel discussion, Susie Cooper, Métis Nation British Columbia
Minister of Health and Tanya Davoren, Director of Health (MNBC) emphasized the
need to move away from subsuming Métis under First Nations/Aboriginal
programming and policies in B.C. as assumptions are made that Métis people receive
programming and services from the First Nations Health Authority. Health
information on Métis was shared as well as why there is a need for Métis-specific
policy, programs and services in cultural safety training in British Columbia.
