Martin unveils goals for aboriginal living conditions

Last Updated: Thursday, November 24, 2005 | 8:17 PM ET

CBC News

Gaps between aboriginal Canadians and other Canadians in education and skills, health care and housing are "not acceptable in the 21st century," Prime Minister Paul Martin said as he opened a summit on aboriginal issues on Thursday.

"They never were acceptable. And the gaps must be closed," he said to 18 other leaders, representing 13 provinces and territories and five national native organizations.

Government leaders are expected to announce a five-year commitment of more than $4 billion in spending on housing, education and health care at the end of the two-day gathering in Kelowna, B.C.

Paul Martin speaks wearing a traditional coat presented to him by the first ministers and national aboriginal leaders.

The summit comes shortly after extensive coverage of the water and housing crisis at the remote northern Ontario reserve of Kashechewan.

Martin laid out a number of goals to improve living conditions in native communities, including:

• Closing the high-school graduation gap completely within 10 years and closing the post-secondary gap by half, for both young men and women.
• Doubling the number of aboriginal health professionals in 10 years from 150 physicians and 1,200 nurses.
• Closing housing gaps on reserves by 40 per cent within five years and by 80 per cent in 10.
• Lowering infant mortality, youth suicide, childhood obesity and diabetes by 20 per cent in five years, and 50 per cent in 10.

"The gaps that persist between aboriginal health and the health of most Canadians are unconscionable," Martin said.

But the start of the summit was marked by disagreements over the issue of access to health care for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Although health care is a provincial responsibility, the health and welfare of First Nations is considered to be under federal jurisdiction. Native groups and the premiers are concerned that Ottawa will download its historic responsibilities.

"As we go ahead with this conference we do expect ... to be clear on who's responsible for what," said Quebec Premier Jean Charest.

"It's absolutely essential we be clear on that because otherwise we are going to be making decisions without also being equally clear on who executes what decision. This isn't a question of detail."