OTTAWA, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The Canadian government has reached a settlement with its aboriginal peoples that includes an agreement on health care.
The Toronto Globe and Mail reports that programs on housing and education had been agreed to in advance of a two-day conference. But health care was held up by a longstanding dispute over whether the federal government or the provinces are responsible.
One complication with the agreement is that Prime Minister Paul Martin faces a no-confidence vote in Parliament on Monday and is almost certain to be forced into an election.
In a 23-page document released Friday, "Blueprint on Aboriginal Health Care," provincial premiers agreed that they are responsible for health care for Indians and Inuit who do not live on reservations. The federal government took responsibility for prescription drugs and other medical expenses not covered by insurance.
