Canada Indigenous health research faces scrutiny over funding policy

A House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research has recommended removing references to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) from the federal research funding process. The committee's report discusses Indigenous research programs within the context of EDI, but fails to mention treaties, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), or specific calls from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Critics argue that categorizing Indigenous research under EDI obscures the unique constitutional, treaty, and inherent rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. There are concerns that acting on recommendations regarding Indigenous-specific programs without direct consultation with rights-holders may violate federal legal commitments under the UNDRIP Act.

Addressing health inequities remains a critical issue, as data shows significant disparities. For example, in British Columbia, First Nations life expectancy decreased from 73.3 to 67.2 years between 2017 and 2021.