A Six-Year Setback: Demanding Action on First Nations Life Expectancy in BC
Please review this petition. If you wish to support this cause, please sign, and remember to list your constituency. No financial support is required. Thank you very much for your signature.
The Honourable Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
501 Belleville St., Victoria, BC V8V 2L8
British Columbia
Dear Honourable Speaker,
Subject: Petition Regarding the Deterioration of First Nations Life Expectancy Figures
I rise to present this petition to the House from the undersigned citizens of the constituencies listed below. Our petition addresses the alarming figures recently released regarding First Nations mortality in British Columbia. These figures reveal a disturbing trend: our First Nations co-citizens have lost approximately six years of their life expectancy over the last five years. This decline surpasses life expectancy losses in most of the world’s disease-affected, war-torn, impoverished regions.
On August 21, 2024, the media reported these concerning statistics, yet the discussion surrounding this critical issue quickly subsided. Notably, major media outlets in BC have made no subsequent reference to what is undeniably a significant issue affecting our community. Some public figures made single statements, highlighting the known impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing opioid crisis as contributing factors to these statistics and generally announcing no action. These very same risk factors did not affect the life expectancy of non-First Nations Canadians a fraction of how much they affected the First Nations population.
As engaged citizens concerned for the welfare of our First Nations communities, we believe it is paramount that adequate resources be reallocated from lower-priority areas to support First Nations citizens in overcoming these challenges. This support must continue until forthcoming mortality figures reflect a positive change.
We respectfully request that the Ministers of Health, Mental Health and Addictions, and Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation be called upon to address this situation. We ask that they delineate their planned actions to tackle this crisis and communicate these plans transparently to the public.
Thank you for considering this urgent matter. We remain hopeful for a proactive and sustained response to safeguard the health and well-being of our First Nations communities.