Lack of oversight and legislation exacerbates disparity, says Fraser
Former auditor general Sheila Fraser blasted the federal government’s handling of First Nations communities in a new report. Tabled by interim AG John Wiersema on Friday, the report reveals the basic quality of life for First Nations communities is deteriorating—education, child welfare, drinking water and housing are deemed “dramatically substandard,” the CBC reports, and reveal an significant disparity. “I am profoundly disappointed to note…that despite federal action in response to our recommendations over the years, a disproportionate number of First Nations people still lack the most basic services that other Canadians take for granted,” said Fraser. The auditor general’s office examined 16 audits over the last 10 years to see if any improvements had been made or previous commitments met, and found that little had been done to implement changes. Fraser identified a lack of legislation defining what services the government is responsible for as the chief culprit. As a result, First Nations communities are uncertain about receiving federal funding and lack the proper administrative bodies for educational and health.