Health Canada apologizes for sending body bags

Friday September 18, 2009

Anticipating an H1N1 outbreak later on in the year, Health Canada shipped H1N1 kits to Northern Manitoba First Nations. Body bags were included as part of the shipment to some of the communities. The H1N1 kits also included facemasks and hand sanitizer.

First Nation Chiefs in northern Manitoba are outraged. They believe that this delivery of body bags has sent a horrifying message to their communities.

"This is an ominous sign that the government is predicting a grim outcome," said St. Theresa Point Chief David McDougall in a press release.

"This is an absolute disgrace. This is morally appalling," said Liberal health critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett in a press release. "Instead of flu-kits, instead of preparing and planning to get the vaccine on time - instead of planning to save lives - they spent their time planning on how to deal with the deaths."

In a Sept. 17 press release, Health Canada apologized for the incident saying that it was an error and that they regret the alarm that it has caused any First Nation communities.

Health Canada stated that they deliver services in remote areas through Nursing Stations and routinely stock commonly required medical materials such as personal protective equipment, pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies such as body bags. �It is unfortunate that this has been linked exclusively with H1N1,� Health Canada stated. �We regret the alarm caused by the stocking of this particular item.�

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn Atleo said the incident demonstrates the urgent need to ensure pandemic planning is developed in partnership with First Nations so that First Nations health officials are directly engaged. He also suggested that the Health Minister should meet with regional leaders in Manitoba to address concerns with H1N1, especially the recent shipment of body bags.

�I am urging the responsible Federal Ministers to work with First Nations leadership nationally, regionally and locally to ensure effective communication, clear planning and full engagement and attention on this matter,� said Atleo.

In June, Health Canada also delayed the shipment of hand sanitizers to Manitoba First Nation communities who were facing an H1N1 outbreak because the sanitizers were alcohol based.

MKO (Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak) Grand Chief David Harper, who represents the northern Manitoba First Nations, talked to Wawatay Radio about the delivery of body bags to the northern Manitoba communities. http://www.wawataynews.ca/node/18131