Mary Simon Offers Comments on Expected Economic Stimulus Package in Upcoming 2009 Federal Budget

“It is now apparent that there is a broad consensus across all federal political parties that the rapidly changing global financial situation will require Canada to adopt an ambitious new package of economic stimulus early in the New Year,” said Ms. Simon.

 

As indicated in a press release issued yesterday by ITK regarding Statistics Canada data from the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey, the conditions in the Arctic for Inuit are badly lagging national standards according to a wide range of health, education and housing indicators. The problems of children and youth are particularly acute. “Let’s call things for what they are”, said Ms. Simon. “The Arctic has some deep rooted and harmful social disparities and problems, including a deepening housing crisis. Overcrowded housing has a domino effect on the health of Inuit children, on their opportunity to succeed at school, and on their ability to face the future with hope and confidence. We can and must do better.”

 

Ms. Simon stated, “I want to be clear I am supporting the need for a major economic stimulus package regardless of who is governing Canada in the New Year. There are a number of concrete projects, particularly in the areas of expanded housing investment, skills and training programs, residential treatment facilities, and harbour and other community transportation infrastructure, that could be brought forward to begin in the near future if necessary funding is allocated to Inuit Nunaat, the Inuit homeland in Canada. With these kinds of projects we would see immediate employment and other benefits, as well as a lasting contribution to a healthier and more resilient society in the Arctic.”

 

President Simon noted plans for a First Ministers Meeting on the economy in mid-January, and indicated that she would be pleased to attend. “At a time of national economic stress, it is important that Aboriginal peoples be direct participants in such a meeting,” said Ms. Simon.