To Work Toward Improving Services in First Nations Communities
Manitoba MLAs from all parties put aside partisan politics today to voice their concerns about the federal government’s failure to meet its duty to fully fund services such as education, health-care services and services for children in care in First Nations communities.
The vote in the Legislative Assembly this afternoon (Oct. 26, 2016) was in response to a motion by NDP MLA Wab Kinew. The motion stated: “That the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba condemn the Federal Government’s inaction in equitably funding social services for First Nations people.”
“I am proud of my colleagues for standing up for equality and to call on the federal government to end its systemic discrimination of First Nations people,” Kinew said following the vote.
Manitoba’s First Nations communities have been historically underfunded by the federal government. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruled in January that the federal government is discriminating against First Nations people by failing to properly fund and support child welfare, health care, education, housing, infrastructure and communities on First Nations.
Despite the Tribunal issuing a compliance order three times the federal government has yet to implement the panel’s findings and orders.
Underlying Kinew’s motion were the following principles:
- Every child should have the opportunity to have a successful future.
- All students deserve to get a high quality education and the skills they need to get a good job here in Manitoba.
- All children and young people should have access to quality, affordable healthcare that meets their needs.
- The federal government must uphold their commitment to equally fund and support health care, education, housing, infrastructure and communities on First Nations.
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Contact:
Rachel Morgan
Press Secretary
Office of the Official Opposition
204-284-4586
