Addressing Market and Access Issues in Remote, Regional, and First Nations Communities

Delivering services to remote, regional, and First Nations communities presents unique challenges that require tailored approaches and sustainable funding models.

The Access Challenge

Geographic Barriers: - Long distances between communities - Limited transport infrastructure - Weather and seasonal access issues

Workforce Challenges: - Difficulty attracting and retaining staff - Limited local labor pool - Cultural competency requirements

Economic Realities: - Higher delivery costs - Limited economies of scale - Thin markets with few providers

First Nations Considerations

Cultural Safety Services must be culturally appropriate and delivered by culturally competent providers.

Community Control First Nations communities increasingly seek self-determination in service delivery.

Historical Context Trust must be rebuilt after historical failures of service systems.

Sustainable Models

1. Place-Based Approaches - Design services around community needs - Build local capacity and employment - Partner with community organizations

2. Technology Enablement - Telehealth and remote service delivery - Digital connectivity investments - Hybrid service models

3. Funding Recognition - Pricing that reflects true delivery costs - Block funding for market sustainability - Investment in infrastructure

4. Collaborative Delivery - Partnerships between providers - Shared workforce arrangements - Community-controlled services

The CFO's Role

• Model true costs of remote delivery
• Advocate for appropriate funding
• Build sustainable operating models
• Support community capacity building

Equitable access requires funding models and delivery approaches that reflect the reality of serving these communities.