Aboriginal leaders optimistic after positive meeting with PM

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This article was published 16/01/2009 (6490 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper has had a change of heart in how he views the role and participation of indigenous peoples in Canada, aboriginal leaders said Thursday.

The leaders of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Canada emerged from a dinner meeting with Harper and the country’s premiers believing they had made a case for aboriginal needs and hope the governments are going to act.

Mary Simon, president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said she felt there was a major difference in Harper’s words and tone at the meeting, compared to her first meeting with the prime minister in 2006.

“There is a significant shift in the prime minister’s thinking in relation to aboriginal people.”

She said there was a groundswell of support — including from Harper — to fix the problems of endemic poverty in aboriginal communities.

The aboriginal leaders were pleading their case to be included in the multibillion-dollar economic stimulus package the Harper government is preparing for its Jan. 27 federal budget.

Among the requests are a $3-billion, two-year package for housing, education and economic development from the Assembly of First Nations.

AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine said he was impressed with the tone of the meeting and was happy to see Harper recognize the challenges facing Canada’s First Nations.

“We will see on Jan. 27 as to what degree the First Nations stimulus plan (will be recognized),” Fontaine said. “I am leaving here this evening quite hopeful.”

Simon said although Harper wouldn’t say what the specifics in the budget will be, it will include significant investments to address the major issues.

Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl, who attended the meeting, said the themes in the AFN stimulus plan were echoed by everyone around the table and are among the priorities of all governments.

Manitoba Premier Gary Doer said he believes First Nations will be a major priority in the budget.

“Everyone agreed the No. 1 priority for infrastructure has to be aboriginal infrastructure, including housing,” he said. “There was also a strong emphasis on education and training.”

Doer said Manitoba has already committed money toward aboriginal infrastructure projects like a permanent road on the east side of Lake Winnipeg and he said there will be further announcements to come.

Today, the premiers and Harper meet again to build consensus on revving up Canada’s economic engine.

mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca