WINNIPEG - Ottawa is spending more than $21 million over five years on research to help address gaps in health equity across Canada and around the world.
But nowhere on a list of 11 projects outlined in Winnipeg by Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq is there a study involving aboriginal Canadians.
First Nations have long complained they are on the wrong side of the health-equity gap.
Aglukkaq says she isn't afraid aboriginal needs will be left behind. She says it's necessary to look at health care overall, although she notes Ottawa is spending money on aboriginal health issues such as diabetes.
She describes health equity as everyone having the same opportunity for a healthy and productive life, regardless of social or economic status, gender or age.
Besides Canada, research will be supported in Benin, Burkina Faso and Ecuador.
