Meeting of Western/Territorial Ministers responsible for Aboriginal Affairs

Calgary. . . A new approach is needed in engaging the federal government to address Aboriginal issues, say western and territorial ministers responsible for Aboriginal Affairs at a joint meeting in Calgary on April 3. Pearl Calahasen, Minister of Alberta Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, hosted the meeting.

“With the federal government restructuring its approach to focusing on Aboriginal issues the time is now to turn the corner on a new partnership,” said Calahasen. “We all need to work in collaboration with Aboriginal governments and communities, organizations and other stakeholders on improving the quality of life for Aboriginal people. We support the commitments in the federal budget to urban Aboriginal and Northern initiatives. However, we note that much more needs to be done in order to meet the commitments in the federal Speech from the Throne.”

The western and territorial ministers agreed to advance their priorities with the federal government including at the next meeting of the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and the National Aboriginal leaders, which will be later this year in Ottawa. The ministers want these priorities to be addressed through cross-jurisdictional collaboration. Priorities identified include:

   
• Aboriginal people in urban, territorial and remote communities
   
• Affordable and adequate housing
   
• Education and early childhood development
   
• Aboriginal health and well-being

The Ministers also supported the view of the territorial leaders requesting the federal government respond positively to the federal Auditor General’s recommendations on transferring federal responsibilities to the north and honouring the spirit and intent of land claims implementation. Other topics discussed at the meeting included land claims, self-government, Aboriginal consultation and strategies for increasing Aboriginal participation in the economy.

The provinces and territories represented at the meeting were Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut, where approximately 70 per cent of the Aboriginal population of Canada resides.

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For further information contact:
Jay O’Neill, Communications Director
Alberta Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
(780) 919-4523