Health Matters

Page 12

Protest marches and peaceful demonstrations against cuts to Native health care may become regular events across the country this year, says Native leader Ovide Mercredi.

The Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations led a march of about 500 people through the heart of Winnipeg in a public demonstration of anger and frustration with the federal health department's unilateral actions to cut Native health care benefits. The march ended at the medical services branch (MSB) where many of the protesters occupied the offices for several hours.

At a press conference, Mercredi said the march will be one of many to be staged across the country if the government does not change its policies regarding Aboriginal health.

"This is just a warm-up," he promised, adding that the time for talking was over.

"There is no dialogue with Canadian politicians. I'm tired of sending letters and attending meetings that do not show results."

He laid the blame squarely on the shoulders of Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin and Finance Minister Paul Martin for contributing to the confrontation and conflict with Indian people and indicated that the ministers' Ottawa offices would be targets for demonstrations.

Mecredi said a campaign of peaceful protest and civil disobedience across the country may be more effective in attracting the attention of politicians and federal bureaucrats.

At the core of the issue is the question of whether or not health care is a treaty right. First Nations believe that it is. The federal government contests that it is not.

Chief Louis Young, march spokesman, said the cuts were being made unilaterally by MSB without the discussion or consultation with Native organizations. The actions of the federal government clearly indicate that it does not recognize Native health care as a treaty right and is trying to off-load these services onto the provincial government.

"The eroding of these treaty rights is a big concern," said Young. "If we don't take any action now, then in a few short years, we will not have any treaties."

The protest was initiated by two provincial organizations in response to announced changes to three specific services affecting Manitoba First Nations people: the relocation of dialysis patients; cuts to medical transportation funding; and restrictions to the traditional healers program.

However, on Jan. 11, the day before the march, MSB announced in a letter to Chief Young that these changes would not be made at this time. It said the policy to relocate dialysis and other long term outpatients from their reserve to the city had been rescinded, as well as changes to the traditional healers program. The issue of reducing the per kilometre rate from 34.5 cents to 20 cents would be open for discussion.

The letter also said that newly appointed Acting Regional Director Jerome Berthelette requested continued dialogue with Manitoba First Nations leaders on policy issues affecting the delivery of health care services. Berthelette assumed his duties on Jan. 15.

With the MSB announcement and the participation of the AFN leader, the focus of the march changed, concentrating on health as a treaty right and general health care issues that affect all First Nations people in Canada.

In February 1995 Health Minister Diane Marleau announced that her department would cap the First Nations health budget increase by six per cent in 1995-96; three per cent in 1996-97; and three per cent in 1997-98. In previous years, say march organizers, the annual growth rate of First Nations health funding averaged around 10 per cent. They estimate that during the next five years an increase of 15 per cent would be needed to maintain present levels of health care. On Dec. 1, 1995 changes reflecting these budget restrictions began to be implemented.