In Question Period Wednesday and in a letter to Minister Jane Philpott MP Niki Ashton called for an inquiry into the death of Abraham Donkey.  She explained Abraham, a 58 year old northern Manitoba heart patient died during a ten hour Greyhound bus trip to see a doctor in Winnipeg ten days after getting heart surgery noting Indigenous Services refused to send him by plane or with an escort.  Ashton stated systemic racism kills, systemic underfunding kills adding Abraham’s family is seeking justice and to ensure this never happens again.  She asked will the Minister meet with Abraham’s family and will this government commission an inquiry into this inexcusable tragedy?

Prime Minister Trudeau stated the Department of Indigenous Services is looking into the details of this matter.  He added this confirms the need for improved health services designed, managed and delivered by and for Indigenous communities something they will continue to work towards.