Overqualified and Underfunded
The Paradox of Indigenous Addiction Services
First Nations addiction workers earn nearly 45 percent less than their provincial counterparts, largely due to outdated funding models. This is causing recruitment and retention problems, which in turn is affecting addiction treatment services in First Nation communities. This wage parity situation has been known for many years, studied, reported, and addressed many times but has yet to be resolved.
Understand the Situation
- Read the 5 Point Plan – Building Sustainable Equity, Retention, and Capacity in First Nations Addictions Treatment Programs and other documents from Thunderbird Partnership Foundation in the sidebar.
- Canadian Centre of Policy Alternatives
The Income Gap Between Aboriginal Peoples and the Rest of Canada - House of Commons
The Challenges of Delivering Continuing Care in First Nation Communities - Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO)
Synopsis of First Nations Substance Abuse Issues - Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
Overqualified and Underfunded: The Paradox of Indigenous Addiction Services
Take the Next Step!
- Share information with employees, employers, industry advocates, news media.
- Connect with your Member of Parliament (MP) to discuss your concerns and request progress.
- Email a letter to partnerships@thunderbirdpf.org outlining your concerns and support for addiction worker wage parity. Please be advised your emailed letter may be used to help Thunderbird Partnership Foundation support advocacy work (which may include media).
