Aboriginal Leaders Critical Of Federal Budget
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 15:00
The national chief calls the federal budget a “bitter disappointment” for First Nations.
Phil Fontaine says the budget contains very little in the way of new initiatives for First Nations and relies on re-announcements and the re-profiling of existing resources.
The budget commits $270 million over two years for Aboriginal economic development, health, education, water systems, and child and family services.
Fontaine says it’s disheartening that the Tory government “can afford billions of dollars to rebuild Afghanistan, but not support schooling, healthcare or jobs for First Nations”.
The Assembly of First Nations leader says the Conservative government has repeatedly let down First Nations since they took office.
He notes they promised to “put wheels” on the Kelowna Accord — but says that was three budgets ago and First Nations are still waiting.
Fontaine insists they can’t wait any longer, and that’s why First Nations leaders are already making plans for a second national day of action as a protest against the government.
Budget 2008 is also getting a thumbs down from the Native Women’s Assocation of Canada.
President Beverley Jacobs says the plan ignores the plight of many on-reserve and urban Aboriginal people.
She admits drinking water systems on reserve can use the money committed by the Tories yesterday.
However, she wonders why the government isn’t making sure residents have access to safe housing first.
Jacobs says she noticed there seemed to be a lot of budget items earmarked for Canadian citizens already enjoying a high standard of living, but relatively little for people living in poverty.
Having said that, Jacobs says the government’s pledge to create more positions for police officers is a good idea.
She hopes that increased workforce can be used to resolve the hundreds of cases of missing Aboriginal women across Canada.