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John Rafferty Speech – Pither’s Point
FIRST NATIONS’ NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION, MAY 29, 2008 – Fort Frances 11:30 a.m.
It’s an honour for me to participate in this First Nations’ National Day of Action. First Nations people have contributed so much to our country and it’s time that contribution was recognized.
Sadly, due to year after year of government neglect, poverty and difficult living conditions are more and more predominant and are hurting young people’s futures.
Autonomous government and treaty negotiations are stagnating, and too many First Nations are living in unhealthy and overpopulated housing, with unclean water and high rates of disease. It’s absolutely shameful that fully half of First Nations children live in poverty in this country.
All Canadians deserve the same quality of life, starting with the fundamental right to clean water and other basic services.
And yet the federal government doesn’t seem worried. Despite the obvious crisis, Canada is still one of only two countries that refuse to sign the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The federal government must stop playing the blame game and take real action to address the situation. It must protect children, ensure they have a clean environment and invest in their future.
I’m proud of the NDP’s commitment to working with First Nations to address their needs and the crisis in their communities.
We are currently campaigning with the children of Attawapiskat in Ontario. These children lost their elementary school eight years ago and are still fighting in the hopes that the federal government, which promised them a new school several times, will finally make good on that promise. Education doesn’t seem to be a priority for the federal government. The NDP disagrees.
Recently, we tabled a private member’s bill demanding the implementation of a “children first” policy, which would resolve jurisdictional disputes involving the care of First Nations children. The policy would protect First Nations children by ensuring they receive proper care, regardless of the level of government responsible for providing the needed services.
The NDP will fight alongside First Nations people until everyone is treated with the same respect, fairness and justice. Thank you.
John Rafferty