chronological events of the Canadian Health and Indigenous Health

HSCI 305

Early Colonization

1) 1600s–1800s, European arrival leads to disease, displacement, and disruption of Indigenous health systems. Indigenous communities face significant population declines and loss of traditional practices.

British North America Act

2) 1867, establishes the Dominion of Canada, providing a framework for governance and health policies affecting Indigenous peoples — provinces given control over health care delivery. Federal government given control over "Indians and lands reserved for Indians" (Section 91[24]).

Indian Act Introduced

3) 1876, centralized federal control over Indigenous life and services, including health. Suppressed traditional practices and created dependency structures. This Act aimed to assimilate Indigenous peoples into Canadian society by regulating governance, education, and health services.

World War I

4) 1914–1918, exposed poor health of recruits; sparked awareness of population health needs. It led to efforts in improving health services and infrastructure for returning veterans and Indigenous populations.

Great Depression

5) 1929–1939, economic crisis highlighted failures of private charity-based health care. Increased support for public systems. The Great Depression was a significant economic downturn that revealed the inadequacies of private charity-based health care and led to a greater call for public health care systems.

World War II

6) 1939–1945, renewed attention to public health and veterans' care. Laid groundwork for post-war reforms.This global conflict prompted significant changes in health policy, recognizing the need for comprehensive care for returning soldiers and the general population.

Early Insurance Proposals

7) 1940s, federal proposals for national health insurance fail due to jurisdictional and political barriers.Despite public support, these proposals encountered resistance from provinces and political factions, delaying comprehensive health reform in Canada.

Saskatchewan Hospital Insurance Plan

8) 1947, first province to implement public hospital coverage. This plan marked a significant milestone in Canadian healthcare, establishing a model for universal health insurance that would later influence other provinces and the national system.

Federal Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services Act

9) 1957, Ottawa offers to cost-share hospital coverage with provinces. This act was pivotal in expanding access to hospital services, ensuring that provinces received financial support to provide necessary medical care to their residents.

Indian Act Amendments

10) 1951, some oppressive provisions removed. Greater political organization allowed but federal control persists. These amendments aimed to improve Indigenous rights, though many restrictions remained in place.

Saskatchewan Medical Care Plan Introduced

11) 1962, first province to offer universal medical care insurance. This plan ensured access to medical services for all residents, laying the groundwork for the establishment of Canada's national healthcare system.

Saskatchewan Doctors’ Strike and Saskatoon Agreement

12) 1962, 23-day strike resolved with compromise: doctors retain fee-for-service model.This event marked a significant conflict between physicians and the provincial government over healthcare delivery, ultimately shaping the future of medical practice in Saskatchewan.

Federal Medical Care Act

13) 1966, universal physician services coverage implemented nationwide through cost-sharing.This act established federal funding to provinces for universal medical care, ensuring that all Canadians had access to necessary physician services. It was a crucial step towards the development of a comprehensive healthcare system across Canada.

Canada Health Act

14) 1984, established five principles (public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability, accessibility). Addressed extra billing and user fees.The Canada Health Act is legislation that set standards for healthcare delivery across Canada, ensuring that all citizens receive necessary medical services without direct charges at the point of care.