'We're beyond arguing' who's responsible for indigenous health, says health minister

Canada's Health Minister is dipping her toe into Ontario's provincial jurisdiction in a bid to solve one of the most persistent crises in the country: Indigenous health.

Philpottsays that she andher provincial counterpart, EricHoskins, haveset up a joint action table so that federal and provincial governments can"work together hand and hand" with First Nations leaders to solvesome of the problems.

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In recent weeks several First Nations communities have declared states of emergency over rising suicide rates and worsening health conditions that stem in part from poor housing conditions and water quality.

"Jurisdiction challenges are no longer an acceptable excuse, just as geography is no longer an acceptable excuse. We're beyond arguing as to whose responsibility it is," Philpott said when askedby host Rosemary Barton on CBC News Network'sPower & Politicsabouthow theapproach would work given the provinces' responsibility forhealth.

Calling the issue "daunting" Philpott said there are nevertheless "a ton of things that can be done if we are determined and put our minds to it."One improvementPhilpott suggested that would be made immediately is rebuilding nursing stations in remote communities.

Philpott said some are "rather dilapidated"andwork would start right away on rebuilding themin a bidto encourage nursing staff to stay in the community.

Money has been set aside in the federal budget for health infrastructure.

Budget brush-off

What was not in the federal budget was a promised $3 billion to improve home care.Philpott said the government is still committed to the proposal, although it has not been earmarked in this year's budget.

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She saidthe money is "solidly going to be there" once the government has negotiated a new health accord with the provinces and territories.

"It would be irresponsible of us, at this point, to say; 'here's the money, let's figure out later what we're going to do with it,' " she said.