FIRST NATIONS HEALTH OMBUDSMAN REPORT ANOTHER SIGN SASK.PARTY IS FAILING FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE IN THE NORTH

Health Ombudsman Report Finds People Facing Discrimination, Abuse and Lack of Access to Care

REGINA – A troubling new report from the Saskatchewan First Nation Health Ombudsman reveals that Indigenous people continue to face discrimination, abuse, and barriers to healthcare, especially in Northern and remote communities.

According to the Ombudsman’s office, it’s received more than 500 complaints since opening in July 2023, with some residents reportedly waiting up to 20 hours for emergency care, only to give up and return home without treatment.

“This report confirms what I hear regularly from people in the North. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is failing them,” says Leroy Laliberte, NDP Shadow Minister for First Nations and Metis Affairs.

At a news conference, the Ombudsman, Dianne Lafond, said people have also come forward with stories describing sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Others report racial discrimination leading to inadequate treatment and poor pain management.

“Racism in healthcare is not new – it’s something the Sask. Party and their insiders at the SHA have known about for years,’ said Laliberte. “Their failure to act has caused real harm and people are needlessly suffering.

“After 18 years the Sask. Party continues to fail Northern and Indigenous communities. People in the North deserve a brighter future and a healthcare system that meets their needs.”

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