Conservatives ignore deteriorating Inuit health

Statistics Canada released data today that reveals only 45% of Inuit reporting good or excellent health, compared to the Canadian average of 63%.

"The ability to live a healthy life is increasingly out of reach for Canadian Inuit," said Carol Hughes, NDP deputy critic for Aboriginal Health. "As the Prime Minister’s tour comes to an end, he should respond to the pressing needs in these communities and commit to addressing food insecurity and the lack of access to health care".

The Statistics Canada data reports limited access to health care, revealing that 14% of Inuit people are unable to receive the health care they need, likely because it is not available in their area. They also found that 41% of Inuit people experience food insecurity — five times the national rate.