OTTAWA, ONTARIO (November 7, 2014) – The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today on the release of the Investigation of Allegations at the Manitoba Association of Native Firefighters (MANFF):
“All levels of government play a role in emergency management, and it is critical that the best system is in place for all communities, including First Nation communities.
“Manitoba First Nations deserve access to the same level of emergency management services that are available in other provinces and territories. In many provinces other than Manitoba, emergency services are delivered efficiently because First Nations are fully integrated into a provincial emergency management system, and receive the same level of services available to their neighbors.
“The unfortunate reality in recent years, particularly following the 2011 floods in Manitoba, is that the current arrangement with the Manitoba Association of Native Firefighters (MANFF) has not met the needs of First Nation communities. Given that MANFF is in default of their agreement with AANDC, and the organization has not proven they can competently deliver the services Manitoba First Nations deserve, we are immediately withholding funds from MANFFand have given them notice that the agreement will not be renewed.
“Going forward, we continue to strongly encourage the province of Manitoba to negotiate an emergency management agreement with the federal government so that together we can ensure First Nations receive the support they deserve.
“These services need to be made available equally, as they are in other provinces across Canada. We will continue working with our provincial partners, including the province of Manitoba, to ensure that First Nations communities receive the same level of emergency services as all Canadians.”
Minister’s Office
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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