The Canadian Press
OTTAWA–The Liberal government says it is seeking “clarity” from the Federal Court on two aspects of a compliance order issued in May by a quasi-judicial human rights tribunal on the delivery of First Nations’ child health care.
In a joint statement, Health Minister Jane Philpott and Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett said the government’s plan to seek clarification in court is informed by their “experience and expertise as doctors.”
Among its findings, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal said last month that requests for health services for First Nations’ children must be processed within 12-48 hours, adding this must happen without case conferences.
The ministers said this is approach is necessary and entirely feasible in some instances, adding that consultation with health professionals is essential in more complex cases to ensure children receive the most appropriate care.
Since July, 2016, the government says it has approved roughly 8,800 requests for health, social, and education services for First Nations’ children.
