Memo to BC First Nations
RE: Progress in Accommodations Planning
On October 1st, 2013 the First Nations Health Authority inherited a number of office spaces from Health Canada through transfer. In order to ensure a seamless transfer, the FNHA renewed leases on many of these spaces for a period of 3-4 years. Currently, of the 18 corporate offices 4 are located in community (on-reserve).
The FNHA vision for accommodations planning is simple. Keep more money in First Nations hands longer. In adherence with the 7 Directives, the FNHA has created a corporate accommodations plan which abides the following principles:
• First Nations First: We are committed to locating our offices in community wherever possible
• Funding into First Nations hands: We seek partnerships with First Nations that include a return on investment for First Nations communities and the FNHA
• Cost benefit: Less money into accommodations means more money into services, FNHA will invest responsibly and choose the most cost-sensible solution
• The process will be transparent and accessible
Overall, the FNHA is interested in developing long-term, mutually beneficial business relationships with First Nations Land Owners. The FNHA has some flexibility regarding the types of arrangements it will consider. In order to maximize resources flowing to health services preference will be given to transfer of ownership / joint venture options over facility leasing arrangements.
Metro Vancouver Office Consolidation
The first project to be completed is the consolidation of Metro Vancouver Region operations. There is some urgency to consolidate and develop a cost effective accommodation plan for Metro Vancouver this is due in large part to the cost of rent in the Metro Vancouver area.
The First Nations Health Authority has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest ("RFEOI") to invite owners of First Nations Land ("Land Owners") in the Metro Vancouver Area to submit details on sites that may be available for construction of a new office building and other supporting buildings to be used by the First Nations Health Authority ("FNHA") for administrative office staff in the Metro Vancouver Region. All First Nations located within 40 km of the main Park Royal Offices have been contacted directly and invited to submit a proposal.
In the Regions
Further direction around accommodations planning comes from leadership at Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey V and Resolution 2012-01. At Gathering Wisdom V, Leadership voted to create a stronger regional presence to our work through the development of regional capacity, and regional offices.
Today there are 14 regional work spaces. Much work remains to be done to consolidate regional space into more service-oriented centres. Service and asset mapping exercises are underway and will provide valuable information to the FNHA around where these offices may be located in the future.
Where the FNHA looks for long-term consolidation space in the regions, First Nations in the service region will be contacted and invited to submit proposals to accommodate First Nations Health Authority staff.
Download this communique here: Progress in Accommodations Planning (PDF 89 kb)
