The political economy of health in northern Manitoba

Abstract

The thesis explores the relationship between ill health and underdevelopment in northern remote Manitoba. Developmental indicators are detailed which illustrate clearly that northern remote Manitoba is an underdeveloped region. In order to explain the origins and continuing existence of this underdevelopment, Latin American dependency theory and Canadian staple theory are employed. The health problems of the remote northern population are then exposed using mortality and morbidity indicators, which clearly illustrate two basic types of health problems: those typical of the third world, and accidents, suicide, and violence. Basic deficiencies in living conditions are then shown to be directly related to the third world problems, while the accidents, suicide, and violence are shown to stem from much more complex causes based on the historical experience of the native people, and their present situation of marginalization on the fringe of a very affluent society. The investigation of policy reveals that principles of health care from the third world could be very useful in this region with respect to the third world type problems - these princip1es are recognized by policy makers, but there exist many obstacles to their implementation. With respect to the problems of accidents, suicide, and violence, Indian Affairs policy is examined which indicates that the government has exacerbated the problems of its native people. The thesis concludes with a discussion of political mobilization among Manitoba's native people, which may be the only solution to the problems of accidents, suicide and violence.