Through an agreement between the federal and Alberta governments, and 11 First Nations communities, Indigenous children will receive access to healthcare products, services and supports without delay. Indigenous communities' healthcare is mainly funded by the federal government but provided by the provinces, creating jurisdictional issues that sometimes results in services being withheld while a decision is made over which level of government should pay. Under the MOU, the squabble over jurisdiction will take a backseat to the provision of care. Alberta is the first province to adopt Jordan's Principle, named for an Indigenous boy who died while waiting for a decision on home-based care.
Related:
'Tremendous relief': Alberta signs agreement to implement Jordan's Principle - Edmonton Journal
Alta. takes historic step to abolish red tape in healthcare for First Nations children - CBC News
NBHC Care Experience