Kenora MP says budget will help northern First Nations

Kenora Conservative MP Greg Rickford is highlighting the emphasis that the new federal budget puts on First Nations issues, especially on northern First Nations.
Rickford, the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, noted a number of initiatives laid out in budget 2013, including infrastructure investments, Ring of Fire capacity building monies and post-secondary skills training funding for First Nations youth.
In total over $700 million in investments for First Nations was included in the budget, Rickford said.
“Canada’s young and growing Aboriginal population has a tremendous opportunity to achieve the prosperity that it seeks, but we must address some of the challenges they face,” Rickford said.
He highlighted a $155 million infrastructure investment over 10 years, some of which may flow to building power grids, broadband Internet connections and road and bridge projects in northern Ontario.
Rickford also noted two funding announcements specific to northern Ontario’s needs – $4 million over two years to increase the number of mental health wellness teams in First Nations communities, which Rickford said could held address prescription drug abuse in northern Ontario; and $4.4 million over three years for capacity building to help First Nations participate in the Ring of Fire mining development through business planning, youth engagement and other activities.
The budget also includes $241 million to change the Income Assistance Program for on-reserve youth. The controversial plan will tie income assistance for youth on reserve to mandatory job training if the First Nation’s chief signs on to the program.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo said while it is positive that the budget mentions First Nations issues in nearly every section, the overall funding promises do not meet the needs of First Nations across the country.
“The investment just isn’t there,” Atleo said in a release. “The change First Nations seek will only be achieved once action matches words and we see fundamental reform of key polices and investments that make sense.”
Atleo also said he was blindsided by the Income Assistance Program, telling CBC that it was a move made unilaterally by the government.
“It’s not just what’s delivered, but how it is delivered,” Atleo said. “It’s a pattern of paternalism that absolutely has to be broken.”
Rickford defended the Income Assistance Program, saying that in the first place it is a voluntary program that chiefs have to sign on to, and also that it will be a boost for youth aged 18-24 to make a specialized work plan towards a job skills program in the field of their choice.