APTN National News
Sheila Fraser used her last speech as Auditor General to chastise the government for its treatment of Aboriginal people in Canada.
For the past 10 years Fraser has been keeping a close eye on how federal departments conduct business.
On Wednesday, Fraser did not hold back.
“Last year Indian and Northern Affairs Canada reported that between 2001 and 2006 there was little or no progress in the well-being of First Nations communities. In a wealthy country like Canada this is simply unacceptable,” said Fraser.
“Over the past 10 years my office has produced no fewer than 31 audit reports on Aboriginal issues. Yet, despite these reports and actions by the federal government in response to our recommendations, too many First Nations people still lack what most other Canadians take for granted,” she said.
“Unless we rise to the challenge I believe that living conditions on reserve will lag behind the rest of Canada for generations to come,” said Fraser, in a speech to the Canadian Club in Ottawa.
