No squabbling promised over children's health

Promising health comes first, Saskatchewan federal, provincial and First Nations politicians signed an agreement Wednesday to ensure jurisdictional issues will not hold up treatment for children needing medical attention.

The agreement says the "health and well-being of First Nation children with multiple disabilities in Saskatchewan take priority over questions of jurisdiction and responsibility of payment for services and health care" according to a media release issued Wednesday.

It was sparked by the case of a Manitoba child, who died away from his family in hospital, while governments argued over who should pay for home-care.

Jordan River Anderson, 5, inspired governments across Canada to implement what has become known as "Jordan's Principle."

"The fact that all three levels of government — federal, provincial and First Nations — can come together in this way is a positive step towards our future," Glen Pratt, a vice-chief with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians Nations, told CBC News at the signing ceremony.

The agreement promises to put in place a system to resolve any disputes about payment for health services in Saskatchewan.