Native leaders and health experts in Canada say a proposed $700 million increase in federal funding is not enough to cover the rising cost of health care or launch new programs.

Prime Minister Paul Martin announced the boost at the health care summit on Monday. He said the money would go to disease prevention, diabetes and health promotion over a five-year period.

But Dr. John O'Neil, head of the Manitoba First Nations Centre for Aboriginal Research, said at least three to four times the amount is needed. The current budget for Native health care is $1.7 b (Canadian).

Get the Story:
New funding for native health isn't enough, say critics (CBC 9/14)

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