Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

National Chief Matthew Coon Come of the Assembly of First Nations, is encouraged by the tone and content of the speech from the Throne delivered Tuesday by Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson.

"The government has recognized in the speech the conditions of First Nations citizens in our communities. The speech made commitments in the areas of health, housing, living conditions, job training and employment opportunities, water quality, infrastructure and economic development. This signals that the government is willing to work with First Nations to tackle the third world conditions in our communities and that is very encouraging to hear", stated National Chief Coon Come.

The National Chief is expecting to meet with the Prime Minister in the next few days and will propose a new relationship, an action plan and process for involvement in concrete manners in which he can work with the Canadian Government to define a working approach that will result in increasing the quality of life for Aboriginal people.

"The Prime Minister and the government have recognized that this will be a long journey. I’m anxious to meet the Prime Minister and define with him a new relationship and an action plan that will start addressing these issues immediately. I have stated from the day I was elected to this position in July 2000 that I am willing to work with government to improve the lives of our citizens. I think this is the signal that the government is now willing to work with First Nations leaders and me", concluded the National Chief.

For more information, contact Jean LaRose, phone: 613-241-6789 (ext.251), e-mail: jlarose@afn.ca, cell phone: 613-795-9664 or contact Cara Currie, phone: 613-241-6789 (ext.253).