Canada’s ‘renewed relationship’ with indigenous peoples

On Tuesday, March 29 at 19:30 GMT:

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to turn a new page in the government’s relations with First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples. At the annual Assembly of First Nations, Trudeau called for a “renewed, nation-to-nation relationship” with Indigenous communities. He pledged to review all First Nations legislation that was passed under his predecessor, Stephen Harper. Trudeau stressed all reforms would be led by the communities, as opposed to the previous “top down” approach.

Trudeau also promised “significant new investments” toward aboriginal issues, including education, reserve water infrastructure and child and family services. To meet these promises, Trudeau’s government committed CAD $8.4 billion from its 2016 federal budget toward aboriginal programming. The biggest portion of the money, CAD $2.6 billion over the next five years, goes towards education. Another CAD $2 billion over the same period is set to improve water infrastructure in these communities. The rest goes to a range of other projects and services.

While many are pleased with Trudeau’s commitment, critics have expressed concerns the 2016 budget does not live up to the hype. They say a closer look at the budget shows that it does not do enough in the short term to address funding gaps for challenges facing communities, particularly in areas of child welfare and women’s issues. We discuss at 19:30GMT. Join the conversation.

Joining this conversation:

Carolyn Bennett @Carolyn_Bennett
Minister, Indigenous and Northern Affairs

Chief Isadore Day @ChiefDay
Member, Assembly of First Nations
chiefs-of-ontario.org

Erica Lee @EricaVioletLee
Community Organizer, Idle No More

Pamela D Palmater @Pam_Palmater
Mi’kmaw Lawyer & Professor, Ryerson University

Does Canada’s new budget deliver on PM Trudeau’s promise of ‘renewed relationship’ with First Nations? Share your thoughts below.