First ministers meetings need First Nations By: Niigaan Sinclair Posted: 7:00 PM CST Friday, Feb. 17, 2023

Opinion

Canada’s premiers accepted this week the federal Liberal government’s proposal of $46.2 billion over 10 years to support health care throughout the country.

I say “proposal” because the premiers had really no choice. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wasn’t negotiating.

The premiers also had no real argument for more money. Many of Canada’s provincial governments have big projected surpluses — particularly B.C. ($5 billion), Alberta ($12 billion) and Saskatchewan ($1 billion) — yet, have health-care systems on life support.

Side note: Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson’s PC government is projecting a $193-million deficit — almost the same amount she is mailing to Manitobans in “carbon tax relief” cheques this month ($200 million).

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It’s a reminder a first ministers conference is not much more than political theatre.

In our most recent play: Trudeau had to appear to address a “national” health-care crisis, while premiers got “new” money to deal with an issue they basically created.

Lost in the performance was the fact that, besides some basic commitments to data sharing, regional governments received money with no real strings attached.

True, provinces have to submit “action plans” to address “four priority areas,” but that’s about as accountable as the wolf who promises to not eat the sheep if you let him in the yard.

“This meeting had such potential to change health care in this country… But it didn’t.”–Jane Philpott, former federal health minister

“This meeting had such potential to change health care in this country,” former federal health minister Jane Philpott said in an exclusive interview on the Niigaan and Lone Ranger Free Press podcast. “But it didn’t.”

For Philpott, the fact six million Canadians don’t have access to a family physician, tens of thousands share handfuls of doctors (particularly in rural areas), and walk-in clinics and emergency rooms are the catch-all for most Canadians will continue.

No matter how big a slice each premier negotiates from a $46-billion pie, it’s almost certain hospitals, health-care workers, and everyday people will continue to suffer.

This is precisely why first minister conferences are fairly big wastes of time.

They should be about shared governance, collaboration, and dialogue — but haven’t been for a long time.

Prime minister Stephen Harper thought so highly of such gatherings he didn’t hold one for most of his time in office (between 2009 and 2015).

Trudeau likes them (he’s held eight), but this week’s top-down announcement could have easily been an emailed memo.

Similar results came from first ministers conferences on the Syrian crisis, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provinces to accept new federal health deal

One could blame the pendulum of Canadian politics (a federal Liberal leader results in right-wing premiers and vice versa), provincial power imbalances or good old-fashioned western alienation or Quebec sovereignty, but the biggest problem is Canada’s constitution.

The way it is set up, the only real power brokers are premiers and the prime minister. Missing are some of the most important constituents in the country: First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders.

One could argue the Inuit are at the table (with the territories) and perhaps the federal Liberals are the biggest fans of Métis in history, but First Nations have absolutely no role.

This results in major oversights, like the fact in some provinces, particularly the Prairies, Indigenous people are some of the most significant expenditures governments have in health, justice, child welfare and housing.

When Indigenous peoples are introduced to a decision after it is made, this is how Canada gets into messes with protesters, standoffs and long, drawn-out Supreme Court battles.

Future first ministers conferences have been promised on how to grapple with inflation and inspire the economy, particularly to deal with the United States’ “America first” post-pandemic economic plan.

In Canadian speak, this means developing lands and selling resources.

Whose land and resources do you think Canada will use? Who must Canada consult with to build any pipeline, mine or power line? Is this Canadian law?

When Indigenous peoples are introduced to a decision after it is made, this is how Canada gets into messes with protesters, standoffs and long, drawn-out Supreme Court battles.

Incorporating Indigenous leadership, and in particular First Nations leaders, in every first ministers conference would not just be a step towards decolonization but it would be better business and lead to better solutions.

Sure, this would not be easy. Who to invite would be a major hurdle — but let Indigenous leaders figure that out. Respect that they can.

One thing is for sure: it would at least make first ministers meetings mean something.

niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca

Niigaan Sinclair
Columnist

Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe and is a columnist at the Winnipeg Free Press.

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