Achi news desk-
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was at the Black Cultural Center for Nova Scotia in Cherry Brook, NS, on Saturday for a roundtable discussion with the Health Association of African Canadians and other community leaders.
The roundtable comes after Trudeau announced in Truro, NS, on Friday that the federal government will cover the costs of contraception and diabetes medications for Canadians.
“Ensure that everyone has access to the care they need and protect the integrity of universal health care in Canada by standing up against those who want to privatize it,” Trudeau said Friday.
Trudeau spoke Saturday on the specific health care initiatives the federal government is offering Canadians.
“Specific initiatives like the Black mental health initiative that go to community organizations to provide mental health resources in ways that work for the Black community,” Trudeau said.
Trudeau also mentioned other federal programs such as the national pharmaceutical care plan and the Canadian Dental plan.
“Over 100,000 older people have had access to dental care since May 1st, many of them for the first time ever. That makes a huge difference not only in health care but affordability for people,” said Trudeau.
Sharon Davis-Murdoch of the African Canadian Health Association said the association wants to build infrastructure outside Metro Halifax and across the province.
“We have been leaders in Black health in this state. We have priorities for Nova Scotia and the Country.”
The association said they would like the government to draw up a 10-year health care plan for the Black community.
“Nationally we would very much like to see a 10-year national plan for Black health with better outcomes in Canada that will be measured twice a year, so we can be accurate going forward,” said Davis-Murdoch.
Saturday marks Africa Day. In a statement released by the federal government, Trudeau says this year’s theme is ‘Education Fit for the 21st Century.’
“In the spirit of this year’s Africa Day theme, ‘Education Fit for the 21st Century’, we are working with our African counterparts to support quality education across the African continent, including sexual and reproductive health. Every year, Canada also welcomes tens of thousands of students from African countries, who contribute their talent and innovation to our country.”
