Assembly of First Nations National Chief Statement on Meeting with the Federal Finance Minister

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Statement on
Meeting with the Federal Finance Minister

January 28, 2016

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde issued the following statement on today’s meeting of the AFN National Chief and AFN Regional Chiefs with federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau:

“We met with Finance Minister Morneau in advance of the federal budget to set out the AFN’s recommendations for closing the gap in the quality of life between First Nations people and Canada.  It is a practical, comprehensive approach for investing in First Nations, the youngest, fastest growing population in Canada.  Our plans for action incorporate the government’s commitments to First Nations, including lifting the 2% cap on funding that is holding all of us back, as well as priorities that go beyond the government’s commitments.  The decision by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal earlier this week proves that there are very real funding shortfalls that are hurting First Nations children and families and limiting growth and prosperity for all Canadians.  We set out immediate requirements for the upcoming budget and longer term recommendations for investments and change.  This is about safe and secure communities for our people, strong First Nations governments and economies, and action on First Nations rights to build a stronger country for all of us.  We had a constructive discussion and the Finance Minister welcomed our recommendations.  We will keep pushing for the necessary investments and fair fiscal transfers for First Nations.  We will keep pushing for an ongoing process to work towards a proper and improved fiscal relationship with the Crown.  We can all succeed by working together.”

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

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Contact information:

Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or  agaron@afn.ca

Jenna Young Castro AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca