APTN National News
The federal finance minister says the Liberal government’s commitments to helping Aboriginal communities is critically important.
Morneau was asked about the issue Thursday while fielding questions in an online forum with universities across the country.
He says Canadians gave the Liberals a mandate to follow through on their campaign commitments. Morneau also added that Canada’s economic situation is worse than expected.
The Liberals made several key promises to Indigenous Canadians that were not costed in the party’s platform including delivering on all 94 recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s probe of residential schools.
Morneau has launched pre-budget consultations in advance of the Liberal government’s first fiscal plan, to be introduced in the coming months.
A number of Indigenous leaders including Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellgarde have said that the government’s first budget will be a test on whether the Liberal’s are serious about renewing its relationship with Indigenous peoples in Canada.
During the federal election, Justin Trudeau promised to spend billions on First Nations education and clean water projects across the country.
No date has been set for the budget.
Looking to get involved in the pre-budget consultations? Click here
-with files from The Canadian Press
