Assembly of First Nations National Chief Acknowledges 2016 Alternative Federal Budget Aimed at Closing the Gap

OTTAWA, March 11, 2016 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today expressed support for the comprehensive approach and investments aimed at closing the gap between First Nations and Canada set out in the 2016 Alternative Federal Budget released yesterday by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). 

"The Alternative Federal Budget shows that investing smartly and strategically to close the gap for First Nations is good for all Canadians," said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. "We are optimistic that we'll see this kind of approach reflected in the upcoming federal budget.  The AFN has been working hard with the federal government to show them that investing in the youngest, fastest growing segment of the population is good for our shared future.  Everybody wins when we work together."

The Alternative Federal Budget (AFB) sets out an approach to closing the gap and respecting human rights by restoring the nation-to-nation relationship between Canada and First Nations; removing the 2% cap on funding increases for First Nations; fiscal fairness; committing to land, water, and environmental protection; protecting First Nations human rights; implementing reconciliation; new funding mechanisms based on partnership; advancing Treaty implementation; investing in water treatment systems and housing; closing the education gap; investing in health and wellness, including the NIHB program; investing in policing reforms, safety and an improved justice system that values First Nations culture.

Alternative Federal Budget 2016: It's Time To Move On is available on the CCPA website at http://policyalternatives.ca/afb2016

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.  Follow #AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Don Kelly, Assembly of First Nations Communications Director, 613-241-6789 ext. 200 or email [email protected]