THUNDER BAY – Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu says she's doing her best to ensure that service-level funding won’t be disrupted at Wequedong Lodge.
The Thunder Bay-Superior North MP responded directly Monday for the first time to a letter released earlier this month by the Lodge, warning it was forced to trim down the workforce and put future expansion plans on hold.
The organization, which provides support services and accommodations to First Nations, Metis and Inuit people accessing health care services in Thunder Bay, reported it was facing a $380,000 deficit in the last fiscal year, and a projected $6-million shortfall this year.
Hajdu said Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) officials are working with Wequedong to better understand the situation and plan to be a strong partner into the future.
“The service delivery remains a top priority for me as the minister, and Wequedong Lodge is providing services to people who are coming to Thunder Bay,” she said. “But it is [also] important that the department understand the fiscal reality of [the Lodge] right now and look towards how we can make sure that the organization continues to deliver those essential services into the future.”
Hajdu was also pushed on instructions given to officials with the lodge that if they run out of space for anyone that comes to the lodge, they need to give the phone number for ISC.
"The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch does [this] kind of work every single day for thousands and thousands of people," she said. "I will make sure that they understand that it's important that there is a reorientation if any client is turned away from Wequedong Lodge for third-party management of hotel stays. The department is very efficient at ensuring that people have the arrangements they need, that they have the support they need, including financial support, to access medical care outside of their home community."
Matawa CEO David Paul Achneepineskum said on Dec. 14 that “it is a step backward when the government thinks that they can handle it better, especially if they don't have the resources. Nothing is going to change."
Hajdu reiterated that ISC officials are working to ensure that those who need Wequedong Lodge don't fall through the cracks.
