Off-reserve Aboriginal Funding (October 15)
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Ms Pastoor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The people of the Enoch First Nation raised a number of concerns with members of our caucus when they met with them recently.
In a number of the areas this government could probably improve its off-reserve services to the community. To the Minister of Aboriginal Relations: what is this government doing to ensure that the people of Enoch have access to more effective off-reserve addictions aftercare facilities?
Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, I was just out in Enoch a few weeks ago. I met with one of their esteemed members there. I spoke with Chief Morin. I spoke with others. I spoke with people who are actively involved in helping people there seek the kinds of services they want. I’m not aware of what specifically the ministry of health might have in that area when it comes to off-reserve, but we can certainly find out for the hon. member and let her know.
The Speaker: The hon. member.
Ms Pastoor: Thank you. I would appreciate that.
What plans does the government have to lower the number of First Nations children going into foster care, particularly in homes outside their culture?
Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, again, this is a very sensitive issue. Just as soon as we know who the federal minister is going to be, we will be pursuing this and about 15 or 20 other issues. The issue of foster care is something that we take very seriously. I know that the Minister of Children and Youth Services here on my right is also very passionate about helping these families out. I can assure you that they will also have my support.
The Speaker: The hon. member.
Ms Pastoor: Thank you. Well, I’m glad that you have such good relations with your federal cousins because maybe we’ll get something going.
What concrete action will this government take to ensure that aboriginal students in off-reserve schooling receive the full amount of funding to which they are entitled? My understanding is that there’s some federal money, some provincial money, and other programs that they may not be receiving the full amount from.
Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, aboriginal students who attend schools off reserve do receive the full funding. In fact, they receive the full funding, and they also receive some additional funding if they are self-identified as aboriginal students. I’ve been working closely with our Minister of Education to help and see where we can improve our educational outcomes for aboriginal students. We’re quite pleased with some of the early results, but there’s still a long way to go.
On-reserve education is another matter. I know that our Minister of Education and myself are going to be pursuing that issue a bit further as well to make sure that there’s better equity of payouts.
Alberta Hansard, October 15, 2008