Statement made on 16 March 2010 by Senator Nick Sibbeston
Hon. Nick G. Sibbeston:
Honourable senators, my question relates to funding for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. As the Leader of the Government will know, this body has been charged with disbursing funds provided by the federal government to promote healing among Aboriginal people throughout our country. There is no new money announced in the budget for the healing foundation, and funding will cease at the end of March, except for 12 regional centres which will continue for two years, I believe. One hundred and thirty-four community projects will cease to operate.
Much work has been done on the Aboriginal residential schools issue. The government has agreed to a settlement for the abuse, and there is a process in place to deal with the claims. The government and churches have apologized, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is beginning its work. A great deal has been done, but a tremendous amount of healing still needs to take place.
What will the government do to ensure that residential school survivors and their families receive the support and help they need to continue healing? How will the government ensure that the programs reach those who need them most? Will the government consider allocating funds to help maintain the work of community-based projects?
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