Health of First Nations people in Manitoba has worsened over 20 years: research
New research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) on Monday found that the health of First Nations people in Manitoba has worsened over a 20-year period.
“These health disparities are understood to be part of the continuing impact of colonization and genocidal policies aimed specifically at Indigenous people,” wrote Dr. Alan Katz, a professor of family medicine who is the director of the University of Manitoba’s Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (MCHP).
Researchers from the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba and the MCHP looked at linked health data on more than 99 per cent of Manitobans registered for provincial health insurance in 2016 during the periods from 1994-95 to 1998-99; and 2012-13 to 2016-17. This totalled 140,910 registered First Nation people and 1,204,641 other Manitobans.
The researchers discovered the average life expectancy of First Nations declined; however, it increased for other Manitobans.
Some of the other findings include:
- The relative gap for premature death between First Nations and other Manitobans widened by 51 per cent;
- The relative gap in years of life lost increased by 32 per cent for First Nations men;
- The absolute gap in life expectancy between First Nations and other Manitobans increased from about eight years to about 11 years over time; and
- First Nations people had a higher decrease in primary care visits compared to other Manitobans, despite higher rates of hospitalization and more days in the hospital.
“These findings indicate that efforts to improve health outcomes among Indigenous people have been insufficient and should provide impetus for renewed action,” the authors of the research said.
“The Canadian health system must recognize the needs of First Nations, reported here and in many other studies, and take specific actions to decolonize health care, as determined by First Nations.”
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has pointed out the health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and called for action.
Of all the provinces in Canada, Manitoba has the highest percentage by population of First Nations people.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
U.S. schools turn to artificial intelligence to spot guns as companies press lawmakers for state funds
Kansas could soon offer up to US$5 million in grants for schools to outfit surveillance cameras with artificial intelligence systems that can spot people carrying guns. But the governor needs to approve the expenditures and the schools must meet some very specific criteria.
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator
Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.
Harry and Meghan's Nigerian adventure: traditional attire to warm welcomes
For her latest column on CTVNews.ca, royal commentator Afua Hagan writes about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Nigeria, calling it a 'deeply meaningful campaign' that was about aligning their ongoing efforts to foster mental-health awareness and promoting the Invictus Games.
'Oh my God, you're my brother': Man in his 70s discovers 6 unknown siblings
After receiving a DNA kit one Christmas from his son-in-law, Hugh McCormick soon discovered that he had six unknown siblings, with whom he shared the same birth parents.
Rates of cancer declining in Canada, but more work needed to save lives: projections
A new study projecting declining rates of cancer cases and deaths in Canada demonstrates the success of prevention and early detection programs, but also highlights areas where more work is needed to save and prolong lives, researchers say.
DEVELOPING Cohen expected to take the stand as testimony in Trump hush money case enters 4th week
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding
Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.