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The National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Matthew Coon Come, is disappointed by the federal budget tabled by Finance Minister Paul Martin on Monday. There is very little money in the budget directed at First Nations and the issues facing them on a daily basis.

The Speech from the Throne stated: "Nowhere is the creation and sharing of opportunity more important than for Aboriginal people. Too many continue to live in poverty, without the tools they need to build a better future for themselves or their communities. As a country, we must be direct about the magnitude of the challenge and ambitious in our commitment to tackle the most pressing problems facing Aboriginal people....And it will work to ensure that the basic needs are met for jobs, health, education, housing and infrastructure. This commitment will be reflected in all the Government's priorities."

"Obviously, I am disappointed in the shortfall of funding to deal with the critical issues highlighted in the Speech from the Throne. While I recognize the reality of falling revenues and shrinking surpluses, the reality of the socioeconomic conditions of our citizens has yet to be addressed in a comprehensive and fair manner. I was hoping for more movement in the areas where we are far behind the rest of Canada, areas like housing, safe drinking water and the like. I will pursue these matters with Cabinet Ministers over the coming weeks and months to access as much of the funding as possible to address these major concerns," stated National Chief Coon Come.

In the AFN pre-budget submission to the government, the AFN tabled specific areas that needed to be addressed immediately to deal with our issues. The AFN had requested funding for First Nations Special Education and post-secondary education to provide equitable funding that is comparable to the provinces and territories and support First Nations education. The budget has recognized this need and provided some funding which is still inadequate to deal with the high need in our communities. Special Education needs are crucial. First Nations schools will not have the resources to design, develop and deliver quality special education programming at a level comparable to provincial standards which are the minimum acceptable standards for any children, whether they be First Nations or not.

In the area of health services for First Nations, the budget identified $125 million over two years for early childhood programs such as child care, head start and fetal alcohol syndrome. This is a positive step since we have been pressing the government to move in these areas and help us deal with the increasing needs of our very young population. However, the lack of action in areas like housing and infrastructure will be an impediment in improving the conditions for our young people. The budget has highlighted funding for strategic infrastructure projects and the AFN will work diligently with the various Ministers responsible to ensure that First Nations receive a fair share of this funding.

The budget was silent on other major initiatives such as land claims, unemployment and economic development opportunities. The AFN will maintain the pressure on the federal Cabinet to ensure that opportunities highlighted in the budget for other measures are made available to First Nations citizens and communities in as many ways as possible.

"The budget has addressed some of these concerns, albeit in a small way. The government must now work with us to prepare the ground for future, more comprehensive measures to deal with the debilitating poverty of our citizens, both on and off reserve," added National Chief Coon Come.

"However, I recognize also that the government had to consider the overall goal of safety and security of all Canadians. The world has changed since September 11 and the concerns that Canadians have are valid. All that I ask is that we are given fair and equitable treatment when the money for other initiatives in the budget is shared over the coming months," concluded National Chief Matthew Coon Come.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing the First Nations leadership, communities and citizens across Canada.

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