Flu Communication Plan Follows Body-Bag Controversy

The federal health minister says a new flu virus communication plan for aboriginal communities will prevent confusing episodes like this past week’s body-bag uproar.

Leona Aglukkaq told a rare Saturday-morning news conference that the protocol signed by the federal government and First Nations could have helped avoid the controversy, which became the latest flu-related headache for the Conservatives.

“I really think it would have. We can always do better in communicating with the population that we serve,” Aglukkaq said.

“I think it will make a difference in the future.”

The plan, drafted in anticipation of a surge in H1N1 flu cases, was approved by Aglukkaq, Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl and Shawn Atleo, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

It includes a virtual summit on the H1N1 virus, to be held as early as next month, and a commitment of regular reporting to aboriginal communities.

“Our government will continue to look for new ways to share critical health information with people living in these communities,” Aglukkaq said. “We will listen and respond to their concerns. And we will continue to meet regularly with representatives of national aboriginal organizations.”

At least 76 Canadians have died from H1N1, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Atleo welcomed the communication effort, noting inadequate housing, overcrowding, poor water supplies and isolation make aboriginal communities especially vulnerable to further spread of the virus.

“Good, sound information is power for our people,” he said.

“This is an important, national initiative. This protocol is about reflecting the fact that we need action on the ground right now.

“We need to break a pattern in the relationship between First Nations and governments. We have a history of lurching from crisis to crisis.”

Atleo reacted with disbelief this week when Manitoba reserves hard hit by the H1N1 flu received shipments of body bags from Health Canada.

A department spokesman said the deliveries were part of “routine restocking” – and not linked solely to a potential new wave of flu.

The delivery prompted cries of insensitivity and became the latest H1N1 drama for the government.

Some aboriginal leaders recently travelled to the nearest cities to buy hand sanitizer and other supplies in bulk after federal shipments were delayed over concerns residents would drink alcohol-based cleanser.

Dr. Paul Gully of the Public Health Agency of Canada suggested Saturday the government had learned from the body-bag incident.

“What was done was unfortunate and inadvertent,” he said at the news conference. “And we think that has certainly highlighted the need to continue to have very close collaboration with First Nations in communities.”

Strahl tooks pains to stress various department initiatives under way to prepare for another round of the flu virus, saying the communication plan was the culmination of “months of work.”

Aglukkaq said the government understands the “unique challenges” that aboriginals face.

“Many First Nations communities are located in remote areas, and several of these communities have high proportions of at-risk populations, and could experience severe H1N1 disease, including young children, pregnant women and people with underlying chronic diseases like diabetes.

“We are ready to respond in a well-co-ordinated and effective manner.”

Aglukkaq said plans are on track for Canadians to receive an H1N1 vaccine, currently under development, beginning the first week of November.

“The issue for us to ensure the vaccine that is produced in Canada is safe and effective for Canadians.”