AFN calls for sustainable growth rates

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo is calling for First Nations to receive the same sustainable growth rates being promised during the federal election.
“We've seen the Liberal and Conservative parties quickly commit to sustainable rates of growth for health and education — rates of 6.6 per cent per year,” Atleo said. “For these same services, First Nations, despite being the fastest growing population, are capped at two per cent. We seek the same and equivalent commitment to sustainable growth. We seek a relationship founded on respect and fairness to unlock the tremendous potential benefit to First Nations and all Canadians.”
The AFN recently launched the First Nations Count — Our Communities, Our Nations, Our Voice initiative to ensure First Nation priorities are part of the election discussion, to seek commitments from all parties based on priorities set by First Nations and engage First Nation citizens in the national discussion on the issues that matter to them.
“This election comes at an important time when our population is young and booming, when Canada is looking at major developments to ensure we remain productive and competitive,” Atleo said. “We are at a crossroads and this election is an important opportunity to transform the relationship between First Nations and Canada, something that is required to realize the true potential of First Nations in this country.”
The AFN also submitted a questionnaire April 1 to all party leaders seeking commitments based on the initiative’s four key areas to address the gap between First Nation citizens and other Canadians: education, affirming relationships, driving partnership and the economy, and community health and safety.
The AFN is hosting two events before the May 2 federal election: an April 14 online virtual summit to further engage First Nation citizens and interested Canadians to discuss issues that matter to them; and an April 27 special town hall event focused on First Nation issues.