New state-of-the-art health centre opens in Eskasoni First Nation

Now the largest on-reserve health centre in Atlantic Region

ESKASONI FIRST NATION, DISTRICT OF UNAMA'KI IN THE TRADITIONAL UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE MI'KMAQ PEOPLE, NS, Oct. 12, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is working in partnership with First Nation communities to improve health and well-being, and address health infrastructure needs.

Today, Member of Parliament Mark Eyking, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulated Eskasoni First Nation on the grand opening of their new, state-of-the-art health centre. It is more than twice the size of the former space, and makes it the largest on-reserve health centre in the Atlantic Region.

The new facility will enable access to quality care in the community by supporting a wide-range of health services and programs under one roof, including a dental clinic and pharmacy.

The health centre will provide space for programs and services for people of all ages, including mental wellness, health promotion, disease prevention and primary care.

Indigenous Services Canada provided an investment of $6.6M for this project, and Eskasoni First Nation contributed $3.5M.

Quotes

"I would like to congratulate Eskasoni First Nation on the grand opening of their new state-of-the art health centre that will meet the needs of their growing population. In partnering with First Nation communities, our government is pleased to invest in health infrastructure on-reserve to support the health and well-being of all community members."

The Honourable Jane Philpott, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

"This new Health Center is another great development in Eskasoni, I commend the leadership of the community in making this new facility a reality. It is a wonderful facility in a beautiful location in the community. Eskasoni is the fastest growing community in Cape Breton and this new facility is greatly needed and will be well used by many in the community."

The Honourable Mark Eyking, P.C., M.P.

"As Chief and Council, our main priority is to look after the well-being of our community members. Access to quality health care is imperative to each and every community member and their collective well-being. Our new health center allows for our community members from all ages to have access to vital health services right here in our community. Meeting this goal was a lengthy process, which involved a lot of work and dedication. We still have lots of work to do, we will continue to work towards meeting objectives for every aspect our community's well- being."

Chief Leroy Denny
Eskasoni First Nation

Quick Facts

• Eskasoni First Nation is the largest Mi'kmaq community in the Atlantic Region. It is located in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and has an on-reserve population of approximately 3,867 people.
• The new facility is 1650m². It is the largest health centre on-reserve in the Atlantic Region.
• Budget 2016 allocated $270M over five years to address health infrastructure needs for First Nations communities.

Associated Links

• Eskasoni Mi'kmaw Nation
• Budget 2016 Highlights: Indigenous and Northern Investments
• Budget 2018 Highlights: Indigenous and Northern investments

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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada