Actions and Commitments

Call to Action # 22: Health (18-24)

Budget 2017 and 2018 investments in Indigenous programs

February 27, 2018

Budget 2017 and 2018 provided $86 million over 5 years and $490 million over 2 years respectively, to preserve access to medically necessary health benefits and services through the Non-Insured Health Benefits. Non-Insured Health Benefits medical transportation benefit provides coverage to enable clients to access medically necessary health services, including services provided by traditional healers. 

The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program secured a 2 year renewal for fiscal year 2016 to 2017 and 2017 to 2018 ($116 million total) that provides access to mental health, emotional and cultural support services for eligible former residential school students and their families. The services provided are based on the specific needs of individuals, families and communities, and may be provided by Elders, traditional healers, Indigenous community health workers, psychologists and social workers.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is working with the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives to implement the Budget 2017 midwifery investment of $6 million over five years. ISC also continues to support the development of Indigenous Service Delivery Models for crisis planning, prevention, response and recovery and land-based programming, which incorporate Indigenous healing practices.

Budget 2018announced $248.6 million over years, starting in fiscal year 2018 to 2019, for services, including mental health and emotional supports to survivors and their families for the duration of the Indian Residential School Settlement.

See also Federal Health Budgets 2016-2021 in Call To Action # 18