What is the origin of the decision-making process?

On June 13, 2017, the Chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador adopted a motion to mandate the FNQLHSSC to initiate discussions with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) in order to develop a reciprocal and joint planning cycle as part of the health and social services governance process.

With a view to ensuring greater involvement in decision-making, the Health and Social Services Directors proposed, in January 2018, the creation of a working group that is representative of all nations, so that all can have a voice in the decision-making process.

What is the process for?

The establishment of a decision-making process with ISC is an interim governance mechanism until the adoption and implementation of the new health and social services governance model. The process is based on a collective approach, where decisions are made while considering the improvement of First Nations wellness with a view to equity for the communities.

The mandate of the Working Group on the Decision-Making Process is to support the Health and Social Services Directors Network in their decision-making efforts. The Working Group makes recommendations and the Health and Social Services Directors Network decides whether or not to approve them before submitting the recommendations to ISC.

What are the positive impacts of the decision-making process?

• In August 2019, the Health and Social Services Directors approved a recommendation for a more equitable funding formula for all communities.
• Suggestions to clarify and improve the procedures surrounding the Health Services Integration Fund (2020 to present) were made. These were taken into account in the creation of the new advisory committee of the Health Services Integration Fund in 2021.
• In 2020-2021, $28.7 million was distributed to First Nations communities and organizations following the recommendations of the Working Group on the Decision-Making Process.

What are the next steps?

A lot of work relating to the decision-making process continues, such as the distribution of additional funds and new funds, as well as the improvement of the fluidity of communication mechanisms with ISC. It is hoped that the objectives of the process are also reflected by the provincial government.

For more information on the decision-making process:

• Guide regarding its implementation:  gouvernance.cssspnql.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Gouv_Guide_processus_decision_avril2019_eng_web-1.pdf
• Motion adopted in June 2017: gouvernance.cssspnql.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Motion_prise_de%CC%81cision_juin_2017-en.pdf 
• Summary – Reciprocal and joint planning cycle: gouvernance.cssspnql.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/synthese_process_decis_eng_web.pdf 
• Motion adopted in August 2020: gouvernance.cssspnql.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Motion_Guide_Processus_De%CC%81cisionnel-25-08-2020_eng.pdf.