The NDP is pressing the federal government to include economic priorities for Aboriginal people in its upcoming budget.

Yesterday the opposition tabled a motion in the House of Commons calling on Ottawa to make economic improvements for aboriginal people a central focus of the 2013 budget.

Aboriginal Affairs Critic Jean Crowder says this can be done in a number of different ways.

“Well, a couple of things. First of all, a meaningful move to recognize the nation-to-nation status within Canada. A meaningful move to include First Nations, Inuit and Métis in the development of legislation that directly impacts them. For example, Bill C-45 that directly impacts economic development. Those are two really important things that they could do.”

She adds focusing on treaties is another area that needs to be improved on.

Crowder says the decision to table yesterday’s motion was prompted by the recent declaration reached with Chief Theresa Spence that opposition parties continue to push the government on First Nations issues.

She adds the Idle No More movement is also a driving factor.

The motion is being debated today.