As communities in Northern Saskatchewan grapple with tuberculosis outbreaks, the area MP asks when will the federal government release its tuberculosis reduction action plan for First Nations communities.
“In northern Saskatchewan, we make up three-point-six percent of the province’s population. But according to a study from 2021, that looked at the outbreaks of tuberculosis, it’s responsible for half of the province’s cases,” said Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River MP Gary Vidal during the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs Friday.
Vidal discussed the outbreaks in Black Lake, Fond du Lac and Pelican Narrows over the past six months, which has resulted in several infections and is responsible for two deaths.
“What can I tell my constituents in northern Saskatchewan, about when they can expect the government to release this action plan? And will it include targets? And finally, will this plan include some actual measures to deal with the overcrowded unhealthy housing in these communities,” Vidal asked.
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hadju sidestepped the reduction action plan question, focusing on housing. “In First Nations Health, including 5.5 billion, for example, to improve health outcomes through timely access and culturally appropriate, appropriate medical care, you point out that housing is a critical ingredient to defeating infectious diseases like tuberculosis,” responded Hadju.
Black Lake First Nation and Fond du Lac First Nation declared outbreaks in October that are still ongoing. Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said overcrowded housing is the main contributing factor to the rise of TB in these communities.
Vidal said one avenue for northern Saskatchewan to tackle the housing crisis is for Crown-Indigenous Relations to be more flexible in allowing local organizations to become part of the solution. Minister Marc Miller agreed that more flexibility was needed, but provided no additional details on a housing plan for the region.
With files from Joel Willick.