2-02681

STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE ANDY SCOTT, MINISTER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT & FEDERAL INTERLOCUTOR FOR METIS & NON-STATUS INDIANS, IN RESPONSE TO THE STATISTICS CANADA REPORT ON ABORIGINAL CONDITIONS IN CENSUS METROPOLITAN AREAS

Ottawa, Ontario (June 23, 2005) - Statistics Canada released a report today that outlines a number of concerns facing urban Aboriginal people including fundamental issues such as employment, education and population growth – particularly in the West.

There is no doubt that more needs to be done to address the challenges facing Aboriginal people – in cities and elsewhere. The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the findings of this report and we are committed to continuing to work with provincial and municipal governments, Aboriginal organizations, non-government organizations and the private sector to better address them.

In recent years, the Government of Canada has introduced a number of programs and services that directly benefit urban Aboriginal people, including the Urban Aboriginal Strategy – a $50 million, four-year initiative to help respond to the needs of Aboriginal people living in key urban centres across Canada. Between 2003 and 2005, the Government of Canada contributed approximately $14 million to nearly 100 projects targeting improvements in areas such as "stay-in-school" and other life-long learning initiatives, housing, health, and outreach services.

Recently, urban Aboriginal issues were identified as a cross-cutting theme through the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable Process. So far, a series of Accords have been signed between the federal government and the five National Aboriginal Organizations, which will result in their direct involvement in Aboriginal policy development. Agreement was also reached on directions for change in health, education/lifelong learning, housing, economic opportunities, negotiations/relationships and accountability for results. The First Ministers Meeting in the fall will engage the provinces and territories on this agenda for change.

Through initiatives such as the Urban Aboriginal Stategy and the Roundtable Process, the Government of Canada is committed to working with our partners to respond to the concerns outlined in the report. As the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and the Lead Minister for the Government of Canada's Urban Aboriginal Strategy, I will use its findings to enhance my own understanding and to help raise the awareness of my colleagues on these issues. Canada has a young and growing urban Aboriginal population that can play a stronger role in making our cities and our country more vibrant and prosperous.

For more information, please contact:

Campbell Morrison,
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
(819) 997-0002

Or visit: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/interloc/uas_e.html

* The Urban Aboriginal Strategy is a Government of Canada initiative that involves a number of departments, including: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Human Resources Development Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canadian Heritage, Health Canada, Industry Canada, Justice Canada, the National Secretariat on Homelessness, and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada.

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