Sask. NDP MPs urge Ottawa to do more to deal with HIV 'epidemic'
3 MPs write letter calling for action from federal Health Minister Philpott
Saskatchewan's NDP members of Parliament are asking the federal health minister to do more to deal with HIV in the province.
The three MPs — Georgina Jolibois, Sheri Benson and Erin Weir — signed a letter delivered to Health Minister Jane Philpott this morning in Ottawa.
In it, they describe HIV as an epidemic in the province, with rates double the national average.
They note the disease is disproportionately affecting Indigenous people and urge the federal government to follow through on its commitment to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The MPs say heath services for First Nations people are chronically underfunded and difficult to access and they urge the federal government to do "better" for Indigenous people on and off reserve.