Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde has six items he wants Canadians to focus on during the election campaign.
In advance of the federal election on October 19, the AFN is sharing its priorities to close “the gap” for First Nations and Canada.
“Our life expectancy is five to seven years lower than the national average, our infant mortality rate is one and half times higher than the national average, half of our children live in poverty which is more than double the national average and there are more than 40,000 children and aboriginal youth in foster care,” Bellegarde said.
He shared AFN’s election priorities: strengthening First Nation families and communities; sharing and equitable funding; upholding rights; respecting the environment; revitalizing languages and truth and reconciliation.
On Wednesday afternoon, Bellegarde unveiled those priorities at a conference in Ottawa.
A document, titled “Closing the Gap: 2015 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada” accompanies his statements.
Bellegarde is seeking specific responses to the plan from all federal parties.
“Our plan is practical, implementable and will set Canada on a course of reconciliation, progress and prosperity,” said National Chief Bellegarde.
“Our plan points the way to real change. This is a pivotal time as Canadians are poised for an era of reconciliation. We can work together with the next federal government to close the gap through dedicated, strategic investments and action. We are seeking partners to build stronger First Nations and a stronger Canada.”
Follow this link to download the entire document.
The AFN says there are 51 ridings across the country in which aboriginal voters could determine the outcome in the October 19th federal election. But Bellegarde admits he has never voted, and doesn’t intend to this time around.
At Wednesday’s conference, Bellegarde said he wants to preserve the appearance of impartiality, and show respect for First Nations elders.
Bellegarde says he appreciates that his personal choice undermines the AFN’s campaign to mobilize aboriginal voters, so he’ll “revisit” his decision.
Elections Canada estimates the average turnout for eligible voters on First Nations is 44 per cent, well below the overall 61 per cent turnout in 2011.