Ottawa makes a controversial move on Attawapiskat finances

 

The Attawapiskat in northern Ontario has been placed under third-party management by the federal government. The federal government has taken control of the funding for the reserve and has ordered an audit to find out where federal funds have been spent. John Duncan, Aboriginal Affairs Minister, was filled with strong emotions of frustration towards the government of Canada because funding which is “normally managed by the First Nations directly,” is being taken away from their community. John Duncan told the House of Commons that “urgent health and safety issues,” are requiring immediate action as the James Bay community continues to struggle with a housing crisis. This housing crisis was declared, by the Attawapiskat, a month ago. Many residents are living  in construction trailers or shacks that are not insulated nor have running water. These are poor conditions for any human being to be prone to. When Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence first heard about this news she was shocked to the say the least. She said, “to put us in third party while we’re in crisis, that’s very shameful and a disgrace from the government,” which I strongly agree with. Stephen Harper responded to all the comments and feelings that have built up in regard to the issue by saying that “the government had spent some $90 million on Attawapiskat since he entered office in 2006,” which sounds very obnoxious to say.

I don’t think the government is doing the best and most efficient job they “can for ensuring the reserve is operating properly and meeting the public health standards.” I feel that the First Nations people are not being listened to or treated fairly. They are being ignored and the government is thinking about what is beneficial to them selves. For example, the First Nations people have clearly stated that they are experiencing housing problems; however it doesn’t seem as though the government is caring too much about it. All they are focusing on is figuring out where federal funding has been spent, which I find to be ridiculous! Looking at the way the government is handling this issue and the way that the First Nations are living in conditions with no education, water, or housing might leave people reconsidering if Canada could be considered a third world country. Personally, I think that Canada is a well developed country compared to countries such as Africa or Afghanistan. Everyone may not be living in riches; however there isn’t any place in the world where you don’t have people who are struggling to find ways to survive. A third world country is one that is less advanced and Canada has a decent economy and they do have free health care so I don’t think it could be portrayed as a third world country. Also, the comment that Stephen Harper made about “the government spending $90 million on Attawapiskat since he entered office in 2006,” doesn’t shed a bright light on the government. The fact that the government isn’t providing any financial training or education in this area shows the government’s lack of concern for the development of the Attawapiskat community. If they had provided some sort of financial education then this problem wouldn’t have escalated out of hand.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/11/30/attawapiskat-wednesday.html

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