"Health of Natives Gets Priority"

TORONTO (CP) - Ontario's NDP government wants to improve health care for natives through the creation of an Aboriginal Health Office, Health Minister Frances Lankin announced Thursday.

In a statement, Lankin said Carrie Hayward has accepted the post of aboriginal health co-ordinator, leaving her job as health director for the Union of Ontario Indians.

"Aboriginal issues are a top priority and today's announcements are in keeping with the government's commitment to advance the agenda for the First Nations," Lankin said.

She also announced Jeff Reading, a PhD student at the University of Toronto, has been named aboriginal health policy consultant and will manage the new office.