Ottawa seeks ‘clarity’ in court on tribunal findings on First Nations health
OTTAWA — The Liberal government said Friday it is going to Federal Court to seek “clarity” 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.”
The federal government takes issue with the fact the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal said last month that requests for health services for First Nations children must be processed within 12 to 48 hours.
In most cases, the government can adhere to this timeline if it is addressing a life-threatening matter, Philpott said, adding there are occasional circumstances that arise where a “rapid decision” may not be the right one.