Tories’ Approach To First Nations Slammed by A.G.
Thursday, June 09, 2011 at 15:57
Hot on the heels of a scathing Auditor General’s report, the Conservative government has announced a new joint action plan with the Assembly of First Nations.
The move was announced by Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan and accepted by AFN chief Shawn Atleo.
The plan features five key principles.
These include a commitment to deliver quality kindergarten to Grade 12 education on reserve, transparent governance on reserve, economic development, meaningful negotiations on treaty, and ongoing dialogue.
Atleo says he looks forward to explaining the plan to First Nations leaders across the country.
Meanwhile, the AFN is issuing a “call to action for all Canadians”.
Atleo says citizens on reserve are suffering under the current approach by the government.
His statement comes in the wake of the Auditor General’s report which found the gap in the quality of life between First Nations and the rest of the population is growing.
In particular, the report notes the government is not being guided by any clear targets or outcomes and does not have a strategic approach.
As a result, it says many bands are subjected to arbitrary funding levels that are causing poor conditions.
Atleo says the uncertainty must end.