Canada’s federal government is increasing funding for higher education, community infrastructure and Indigenous health in an apparent attempt to assuage criticism of its handling of the serious problems that continue to plague Canada’s First Nations and Inuit communities. country.

This year’s budget adds an additional $3.4 billion (22.8 billion Norwegian crowns) over five years for areas with “critical needs”, on top of the $8.4 billion (56.3 billion Norwegian crowns) crowns) promised in 2016.

– We have made significant investments that we believe will make a difference, said Finance Minister Bill Morneau

Radio-Canada.

Truth and reconciliation

The budget was tabled Wednesday by the Minister of Finance and the grants will bring the federal government’s total investment in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to $11.8 billion over six years – an unprecedented investment for one of the youngest and fastest growing populations in Canada.

The new funding is part of the government’s efforts to respond to the 94 action points of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission – a committee that investigated how Canada mistreated its First Nations by removing them from communities and forcing them to to go to residential schools, where many were exposed to terrible abuse, writes

National Observer.

This has also led many people to lose their cultural identity.

The boarding school system was established in the 19th century and lasted until the 1990s before being abolished.

– Promised a lot, but does not keep its promises

Trudeau and his Liberal Party have been criticized because, when in opposition, they promised to implement the commission’s 94 recommendations, but now, in power, they have started to backtrack on some of those promises .

One promise is to be more open about how government policies and decisions can affect Indigenous rights and agreements.

The government responds that there is a striking contrast between the previous government’s disavowals and what the new government is proposing. The previous government limited its spending to 2% of the budget.

“We know that strong partnerships between the federal government and Indigenous communities are essential to our success,” Morneau told the House of Commons after presenting his budget Wednesday.

– Together, we will build a stronger and more resilient society and renew our nation-to-nation relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis, he promised.

The government’s draft budget has not yet been approved by Parliament.