General News and Announcements

January 21, 2009

On January 16, Moderator David Giuiliano wrote the following letter affirming the responsibility of the federal government to support Canada's Aboriginal peoples in preparing the upcoming budget. This letter to Prime Minister Harper (copied to all federal party leaders and premiers) supports the call for an economic stimulus package proposed by five Aboriginal organizations to the First Ministers meeting on January 15, in preparation for the presentation of the budget to the House of Commons on January 27.

Dear Prime Minister Harper,

In response to the important meeting that First Ministers held last night with national Aboriginal leaders, I am writing on behalf of The United Church of Canada to offer our wholehearted support for the significant economic and social representations the leaders made on behalf of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.

In light of the current significant economic crises and challenges, it is fundamentally important that those who are the most vulnerable receive urgently needed support and investment from all governments in our country.

Quite obviously, the federal government has not only the capacity and ability, but surely the responsibility, to ensure that chronic and more immediate need is effectively addressed. As you prepare with your Minister of Finance for the upcoming budget, there are compelling human situations as well as certain unique opportunities.

I note the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine, has called for “a $3-billion stimulus package over the next two years to finance a range of projects in aboriginal communities, including in critical areas such as housing, education and safe drinking water.”

In a similar manner, Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, has called for a major stimulus package for badly needed housing and health projects.

These particular needs, as well as the special opportunity to invest in Canada’s fastest-growing population, surely offer all of us as Canadians a historic opportunity to work with Aboriginal peoples in ways that are both unprecedented and meaningful.

Since June 11, 2008, I believe we are now living in a post-apology era. As one who was present and deeply moved on that occasion, it strikes me we do have an opportunity to live out that reality in responding to the current economic and social crises as they affect Aboriginal peoples.

Speaking for the United Church, we are fully prepared to support significant responses to these requests and work with all people to fully ensure their maximum effectiveness.

Offering you every good wish and prayerful support in this challenging New Year.

Sincerely,
The Right Rev. David Giuliano
Moderator
The United Church of Canada