MPs Hold Emergency Debate Over Healing Foundation

MPs Hold Emergency Debate Over Healing Foundation

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 14:18

Opposition MPs in Ottawa blasted the government last night for its decision to axe the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.

Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl defended the move, saying there were other services out there for survivors to access.

He also said the move will help bring closure to the legacy of residential schools, which he said lies at the heart of reconciliation between Canadians and survivors.

However, Liberal MP Hedy Fry criticized Strahl, saying he was under-stating the gravity of the foundation’s closure.

According to Fry: “If we truly believe that Aboriginal people know what is best for them, and that we don’t know what is best for them, we will listen to them for a change. And so, it doesn’t matter how the minister spins it. It doesn’t matter what he says.”

Fry said it is cruel for the government to apologize to survivors over the impact of residential schools and then pull the rug out from under them while the healing is underway.