FORT QU’APPELLE, Sask. – Canada’s health minister has pledged new federal dollars to address what she says is one of the biggest public health issues on her radar: the abuse of prescription drugs.
She made the announcement Tuesday at the Leading Thunderbird Lodge near Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask. She’s impressed by its integration of First Nations teachings for the boys struggling with addiction.
“This particular institution is doing great work with youth who are addicted and First Nations in Saskatchewan are tackling this issue in a way that I think is exemplary,” said Ambrose.
$13.5 million has been ear-marked for First Nations in Canada. About $2.6 million in funding will be set aside for Saskatchewan over the next five years. It will go towards training, better services for patients and a crisis management team.
“It’s a start. It’s a start. It is not enough,” said Kimberly Jonathan, interim FSIN chief. “There’s been an increase of prescription drug use within the nations in Saskatchewan in every community.”
While it might not be a lot of money, the province says the amount is still significant.
“We’re always looking for ways to ensure that we’re reducing wait lists and increase access to all residents to all health services. So, to see the federal government and the federal minister come to the table with dollars is going to be a great help,” said Saskatchewan Health Minister Dustin Duncan.
This new funding is on top of what the federal government is already spending on mental health and addictions programming for First Nations. About $236 million annually goes to 44 treatment facilities.
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