Aboriginal issues in the Kenora riding are front and centre today as we head down the homestretch of the Federal election campaign.
The NDP candidate says the federal government needs to do more to address water problems in remote northern communities.
Howard Hampton says more than 12 First Nations are still forced to boil their water, and some have been doing it for years.
He says his party will initially spend $604-million dollars on the “most serious needs of aboriginal communities”.
Hampton notes that will grow to $700-million a year.
He adds the NDP will address an unfair education formula that helps students in urban centres and not in remote First Nations.
Hampton says students in the north don’t have access to technology, books, or special education.
The Conservative candidate says his government will continue to make key investments in several areas for First Nations communities.
Greg Rickford says the priority for the next term will be on education, infrastructure upgrades, clean drinking water and water and sewer treatment.
He adds the Conservatives will ensure financial transparency so the public knows how their tax dollars are being spent.
Rickford notes his government has made major investments to ensure clean drinking water up north as well as training.
He says they have also built seven new schools in the Far North over a six year period and renovated several more.
The Liberals are out with their plan to improve the quality of life on First Nations communities.
Bob Nault says they will invest over $500-million per year for aboriginal education.
That will grow to $750-million per year at the end of their first mandate.
Nault adds the Grits will also spend $6-billion to build more housing on Canadian reserves.
He says the Conservatives have cut $550-million to First Nations programs and infrastructure.
The Green candidate says the Federal government must re-visit previous promises to help improve the quality of life on area First Nations.
Ember McKillop says her party would restore the commitments contained in the Kelowna Accord.
She says the document contained positive changes to employment and education opportunities, clean drinking water and an equitable standard of living.
Kelvin Chicago-Boucher is running as an Independent.
