AFN National Chief Calls Federal Budget a "Bitter Disappointment"

[marcel]

Attention News Editors:

OTTAWA, Feb. 27 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National
Chief
Phil Fontaine called the federal budget released yesterday a "bitter
disappointment for First Nations and a missed opportunity for all
Canadians."
"It is disheartening that this government sets out reducing the
cost of a
toaster by a couple cents as a national objective, but not helping
First
Nations children finish high school or grow up in safe homes. That
this
government can afford billions of dollars to rebuild Afghanistan but
not
support schooling, healthcare or jobs for First Nations. It is
difficult to
believe Canadians support these priorities," the National Chief
stated.
The federal budget released yesterday by Finance Minister Jim
Flaherty
contained very little in the way of new initiatives for First Nations
and
relied on re-announcements and the re-profiling of existing resources.
Resources targeted at First Nations health have potential but more
details are
required, and these resources are contingent on First Nations striking
deals
with other governments so there are no guarantees the resources will
flow.
Equally important, more investments are needed to deal address the
determinants of First Nations health.
"The Conservative government has repeatedly let down First
Nations since
they took office," National Chief Fontaine said. "They promised to
'put
wheels' on the Kelowna Accord. That was three budgets ago and First
Nations
are still waiting. We can not wait any longer. Canadians understand
that First
Nations are the key to Canada's place as a competitive and productive
country.
Canada needs skilled workers to fill jobs and First Nations are the
youngest,
fastest growing population in the country. That presents a tremendous
opportunity for a solution that is good for the Canadian economy, good
for
communities, good for First Nations, and good for Canada."
The National Chief noted a 2007 study by the Canadian Centre for
the
Study of Living Standards which found that, if investments were made
to bring
First Nations education levels up to those of the rest of the
population,
Canadians would see an additional $71.1 Billion added to the national
economy.
Under the current system, however, First Nations students receive on
average
$2,000 less than students in mainstream schools.
"Unfortunately, the government doesn't get it," the National
Chief said.
"They do not see the potential that could be unlocked by graduating
students
from school or the role of First Nations in helping to deal with the
labour
shortage so severe in parts of this country. Fundamentally, they do
not feel
any responsibility to address the third world poverty conditions that
exist
within this country. It is inconceivable that the government could
have found
new ways to spend over a hundred billion dollars since coming to
office, and
that none of that would lead towards a real, comprehensive plan to
move First
Nations from poverty to prosperity."
National Chief Fontaine pointed to the Alternative Federal Budget
released earlier in the week as a progressive economic policy plan
that would
be welcomed by First Nations.
"The Alternative Federal Budget shows practical, fiscally
responsible
solutions for First Nations that can be achieved within the current
economic
framework," said the National Chief. "This government actively chose
not to do
so. I travel to First Nations communities and meet with First Nations
citizens
every day, and I can say clearly that frustration is growing and
patience is
at an end. First Nations have instructed the AFN to plan for a second
National
Day of Action. We are looking for a day of solidarity with Canadians,
and a
day of protest against this government. We need Canadians, we are
asking
Canadians, to stand up and tell the Conservative government that this
neglect,
this disinterest, does not reflect the values of this country. This is
no
longer just about First Nations, this is about our shared future."

For further information: Karyn Pugliese, AFN Communications (Health
and Social
Development), (613) 241-6789 ext. 210, cell.: (613) 292-1877,
kpug...@afn.ca; Don Kelly, AFN Communications Advisor, (613)
241-6789
ext. 341, cell.: (613) 292-2787, dke...@afn.ca


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