Statement: Response to Conservative Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq April 26, 2012 Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit Share on LinkedIn Email For Immediate Release April 26, 2012 OTTAWA- The Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission of the Liberal Party of Canada released the following statement today in response to Conservative Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq’s drastic cuts to Aboriginal Health: On Monday, April 23rd in the House of Commons, Conservative Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq avoided a question regarding Aboriginal Health cuts by stating that she found the particular line of questioning to be ‘unacceptable’. Minister, with a mission to advance and promote the health and well-being of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis people through collaborative research, Indigenous traditional knowledge, capacity building, and community led initiatives, the APC finds it unacceptable that 100% of health funding was cut to the National Aboriginal Health Organization. With a goal of preserving Aboriginal culture, achieving equal opportunity for Aboriginal women, and having a role in shaping legislation relevant to Aboriginal women, the APC finds it unacceptable that 100% of health funding was cut at the Native Women’s Association of Canada. With a goal to secure a healthy space for Métis people in Canada, the APC finds it unacceptable that 100% of health funding was cut at the Métis National Council. And the cuts didn’t stop there. When health funding was cut to other Aboriginal organizations – such as the 40% reductions at the Assembly of First Nations and at the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, or the 100% cut to the Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada health budget – the APC found that too, unacceptable. But most importantly, the fact that health funds have not been reinvested into already under-funded communities for front-line Aboriginal health services; and that you refuse to answer legitimate questions from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people surrounding these devastating cuts by hiding behind your ethnicity – Minister, we find that completely unacceptable.” – 30 – View “Health Minister Aglukkaq accuses Liberal MP of crossing racial line” on APTN.ca (Apr 23) View “Health cuts leave Aboriginal groups shocked” on APTN.ca (Apr 20) For more information on the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission, contact: Kevin Seesequasis Vice-President (Communications) Contact Us