The federal government says a new "patient-focused" research centre in Saskatchewan could help close the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. Federal Health Minister Jane Philpott said Indigenous Canadians have shorter life expectancies, higher rates of diabetes and face more mental health issues, and the new Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research will help stem those trends. "And the focus on Indigenous health and mental health and problematic substance abuse are all top issues in the country." "The focus on Indigenous health and mental health and problematic substance abuse are all top issues in the country." To start off, the centre's two primary focuses will be mental health and addiction, and health issues facing Indigenous Canadians.

Source: CBC News April 18, 2017 20:15 UTC