Phase III, which has been ongoing since 2018, is vital for the health and social services governance process. At the end of this phase, in March 2020, an effective governance model will be adopted by the Chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL). The FNQLHSSC is working with representatives from First Nations communities and organizations to complete this phase, which aims to realize the health and wellness model by identifying the components and structures to be put in place as well as their roles and responsibilities.
Phase III progress update:
- Realizing the model
A portrait of the needs of communities and local organizations has been completed in order to determine:
- which needs are currently met by federal agencies, provincial agencies and AFNQL regional commissions and organizations
- which needs are not currently met
The data gathered from this portrait will be used to determine the responsibilities of and services offered by the regional authority in the new effective governance model.
- Financial analyses
An analysis of the funding currently provided by the federal government for First Nations health and social services is in progress. Two external providers have been brought in to help complete the analysis: University of Ottawa’s Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy and the accounting firm MNP.
- Component 1: Portrait of funding for health and social services offered in communities
The work undertaken by the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy has been completed. A preliminary version of the final report has been submitted and is currently being validated by the FNQLHSSC.
- Component 2: Estimate of costs related to health and social services
The work undertaken by MNP is still in progress. This component aims to assess the financial resources required to meet the needs created by changing demographics and the evolution of health problems and social issues.
- Definition of wellness
Since the beginning of the process, representatives from communities and organizations have wished to adopt a holistic approach that best represents the First Nations vision of health and wellness. To this end, work is being done to develop a common definition of wellness, which will guide local and collective initiatives and serve as a reference for assessing and tracking the evolution and improvement of wellness.
- Relationships with partners
- Signing of the tripartite memorandum of understanding A tripartite memorandum of understanding on health and social services was signed on August 30 between the government of Canada, the government of Quebec and the AFNQL. By signing this document, all parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together to guarantee First Nations participation in decisions impacting their culture and wellness. To this end, they agreed to identify obstacles and possible solutions to facilitating fair and equal access to quality health and social services and programs for First Nations in Quebec in accordance with the roles and responsibilities of each party. Moreover, the memorandum of understanding will serve to address the challenges faced at different levels of government and jurisdiction. Until the governance model is adopted, the tripartite memorandum of understanding will serve as a political commitment. By signing the document, the parties declared their desire to continue discussions and work together to develop the health and social services governance model.
- Progress of new developments and changes at the federal and provincial level
A number of changes and new developments are in motion within the federal and provincial governments. The FNQLHSSC is closely monitoring matters that could impact First Nations health and social services, such as the adoption of Bill C-92, the publication of the report by the Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec (Viens Commission) and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
- Communication
- New sections have been added to the online toolbox (2, 4 and 5). You can access the toolbox here: gouvernance.cssspnql.com/en/toolbox/. Section 3 is coming soon.
- We have developed a communication strategy with specific information‑based goals and actions. In the coming months, we will focus our energy on updating and communicating information to facilitate a common understanding of the governance process to ensure that those involved in the adoption of the governance model can make informed decisions.
- Decision-Making Process: Reciprocal and Joint Planning Cycle
- Following the most recent meeting on June 4 and 5, the working group began developing a new, more equitable formula for the distribution of supplemental funding for all communities. In August, the formula was approved by health and social services directors and was used to distribute $6.4M between communities.
- At the most recent joint meeting of health and social services directors in September, discussions were held with directors of the treatment centres regarding funding that they may be able to benefit from.
- Overview of other ongoing work:
- Analysis of the terms and conditions of federal and provincial programs concerning First Nations health and wellness in order to maximize flexibility in terms of financial management and service delivery
- Follow-up on the integrated health and wellness planning pilot project in Kitigan Zibi
- Identification of the province’s desired involvement in the decision-making process
- Presentation of the Decision-Making Process: Reciprocal and Joint Planning Cycle guide to the Chiefs of the AFNQL for approval
- The next working group meeting will be held on November 27 as part of the joint meeting of the Health and Social Services Directors Network.
Upcoming events
In the next few months, many representatives from the FNQLHSSC governance team will take part in events and meetings.
November 27: Meeting of the Working Group on the Decision-Making Process (Québec City)
November 27–28: Joint meeting of the Health and Social Services Directors Network (Québec City)
December 16: Committees of partners
January 21–22: Regional governance process meeting
Want more information or have questions about the Quebec First Nations’ health and social services governance process?
Visit our website
Visit gouvernance.cssspnql.com/en/ for information about the process, the latest news and all of our publications.
or
Contact the FNQLHSSC
By phone: 418-842-1540
By email: info@cssspnql.com