Harper ‘balanced’ budget on First Nations backs

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee says he can feel a momentum for change building as each day brings us closer to the Oct. 19 federal election.

“If First Nations citizens needed any more reasons why they should seriously consider casting their ballots, they’ve already been given plenty of them by the Harper government’s campaign tactics,” says Madahbee.

“The prime minister has been under constant fire on the campaign trail, and he attempted to put a positive spin on what he called a budget surplus for the 2014-15 fiscal year after running seven consecutive deficits,” says the leader of 39 communities.  “But the reason the Conservatives appeared to have balanced their books last year was that they simply didn’t spend over $8 billion that they had promised, and in some cases publicly announced. That’s like me saying I balanced my household budget by not paying half my bills!”

In effect, the Conservatives balanced last year’s budget on the backs of people who need the most assistance, including First Nations citizens and armed forces veterans.

“Coincidentally, the so-called $1.9-billion surplus is exactly the amount Harper had pledged for First Nations education reform in proposed legislation that failed because our leaders refused to accept a system controlled by the Minister of Indian Affairs,” says Madahbee.  “In nearly a decade in power, the Conservative government has stubbornly refused to work with First Nations to provide the kind of education and training needed to create meaningful employment opportunities for our young people, and at the same time reduce the levels of poverty in our communities.”

He puts out a call-out to Anishinabek Nation leadership to make sure that our citizens get the right information.

“Once again I am asking all Anishinabek leaders to do what they can to ensure that their citizens are well-informed about candidates in their region and their party’s positions on First Nations issues,” urges Madahbee.  “Because of new election legislation rammed through by the Harper government, many First Nations community members are experiencing difficulty in registering to vote. Others do not have the newly-required two pieces of identification they will need to cast their ballots if they do not have government-issued photo ID. Chiefs can provide letters that will help identify band members who want to cast their ballots.”

Madahbee says that Anishinabek leaders need to do everything in our power to make Oct. 19 Stephen Harper’s last day in office.