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A program that helps members of dozens of remote First Nations in northwestern Ontario navigate health-care services in urban centres is being pared back due to the non-renewal of federal funding.
The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) provides health-care support to 33 First Nations in the region, 28 of which are remote.
Its Meno Weecheeheeway Patient Navigator services, offered in Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, supports individuals and families travelling away from home for medical reasons.
Last Friday, the health authority announced that the program has been discontinued in both Sioux Lookout and Winnipeg “due to non-renewal of funding from Indigenous Services Canada.”
The program will continue to operate in Thunder Bay.
“This change is deeply regretted,” SLFNHA said in a news release issued April 10. “Patient navigator services include advocacy, communication support in the First Nation language of choice, assistance with appointments, support related to Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), support and advocacy with medications, and return transportation.”
The news comes shortly after SLFNHA’s medical transportation program was suspended in Thunder Bay on April 1, which the health authority said was “a direct result of Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) failing to fund the program proportionally to the actual, documented volume of clients served and adequate funding for SLFNHA employees along with program operating costs.”
CBC News reached out to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) for comment on funding for the Meno Weecheeheeway Patient Navigator program, and received an emailed statement Wednesday evening.
“SLFNHA is a valued partner who delivers an array of health-care services to First Nation communities in the Sioux Lookout region. We remain committed to supporting eligible costs and services whenever possible,” spokesperson Eric Head wrote.
The health authority received $500,000 for the program for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, he said.
“As with all funding agreements, funding is reviewed on an annual basis, and renewal decisions are made through established departmental processes that are subject to program priorities, available funding, and approvals. This process is ongoing.”
People can reach SLFNHA’s patient navigators in Thunder Bay toll-free by calling 1-855-218-4605. More information about the services available can be found on SLFNHA’s website.