Liberal and Conservative members of a Legislative Assembly sub-committee have teamed up to vote down a Fort Albany First Nations request that would have enabled its participation in public hearings taking place in August.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath today congratulated Angus Toulouse on his re-election as Regional Chief of Ontario.

“On behalf of the New Democrats, I would like to congratulate Angus Toulouse on his re-election as Ontario Regional Chief. It must be a tremendous honour to be given the opportunity to continue to represent and advance the interests of Ontario’s 133 First Nations.

NDP MPPs Howard Hampton (Kenora—Rainy River) and France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) are calling on the McGuinty government to provide the healthcare resources needed to stop the spread of the H1N1 flu virus in Northern Ontario’s First Nations communities and address the underlying conditions that are making these communities more vulnerable.

The ongoing contamination crisis in Attawapiskat is leaving hundreds of children at risk of losing their school year. The NDP are calling on the Province to step in and work with the community to get to the bottom of why children, teachers and community members were left sick from the teardown of a badly-contaminated school site in Attawapiskat. The failure of the Federal government to protect community members from exposures to dust, diesel fumes and other contaminants has led to a crisis in confidence in the community. Given the enormity of the problem, the Province of Ontario must step in to provide independent health and environmental support.

France Gelinas, the NDP MPP from Nickel Belt today asked the McGuinty Liberals to examine infrastructure and living conditions on First Nation communities in the context of a Coroner’s Inquest.

It is my distinct pleasure to extend greetings to all those organizing and participating in National Aboriginal Day activities. Today is a unique opportunity to honour the heritage, culture and contribution of our Aboriginal peoples.