Job-training money in new federal budget going to First Nations comes with strings

Job-training money in the new federal budget is going to First Nations that force young people on social assistance to take part in skills development programs. Critics of the government initiative are calling it a workfare program. The budget provides $109 million over five years for “personalized skills development.” And there is an additional $132 million over five years for First Nations to “ensure compliance” and job counselling. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said Ottawa wants to “ensure young recipients have the incentives necessary to gain employment.” Thomas Mulcair, leader of the Opposition NDP, said “At a time when First Nations are holding out a hand for reconciliation, he’s giving them the back of his hand… It’s insulting, it’s paternalistic. It’s a sop to [Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s] Reform Party base and it plays to the worst prejudices against First Nations.”  The 2013 federal budget has no new funding earmarked for on-reserve housing, water and wastewater treatment or schools on reserve. “Budget 2013 makes reference to First Nations in almost every section, which suggests that the unprecedented attention and engagement of our peoples is beginning to be heard,” said National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Shawn Atleo. “But the investment just isn’t there. We will continue to press for direct engagement of First Nations themselves on full implementation of commitments in an urgent manner.” Grand Chief Derek Nepinak of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. said “This status quo budget ensures the rich keep getting rich with tax credits and incentives that generally do not help First Nations individuals or communities… A status quo budget for First Nations people means a continuation of escalating poverty and a continuing failure to meet the basic needs of families in the communities.”