Premiers, Aboriginal Leaders Explore Key Issues
Thursday, August 06, 2009 at 13:34
The meeting in Regina yesterday between Canada’s premiers and Aboriginal leaders had a packed agenda.
H1N1 was one of the main points discussed at yesterday’s Council of the Federation meeting in Regina.
Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo says the premiers and Aboriginal leaders agree that pandemic planning should be in place.
He says they are concerned about Aboriginal communities and isolated regions in the north, with regards to those communities’ ability to deal with a potential pandemic.
Atleo says he is encouraged by yesterday’s meeting, but that more needs to be done in terms of pandemic planning in Aboriginal communities.
As a result of yesterday’s meeting, a group of provincial Aboriginal Affairs ministers from across Canada will come together to address issues such as education, economic development and the H1N1 virus.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo says the group will help measure progress.
He says it will build on the issues discussed at yesterday’s meeting and set goals for the future.
The working group will lead to a first ministers meeting next year.
The Metis National Council (MNC) signed onto an agreement with five provincial governments at yesterday’s meeting.
The western premiers — from Ontario to British Columbia — have agreed to attend a Metis-specific meeting, along with members of the federal government.
MNC President Clem Chartier says the meeting will allow the leadership address issues critical to the Metis Nation.
He says the first meeting will discuss economic opportunities.
Chartier says the MNC wants the meeting to happen this fall.
Finally, Native Women’s Association of Canada president Beverley Jacobs is encouraged by the premiers’ commitment to Aboriginal women’s issues.
Beverly Jacobs says yesterday’s conference with the premiers was a success.
She says they acknowledge the problems facing Aboriginal women — and what is being done by governments to help solve those issues.