NDP Critic for Health and Long-Term Care Critic France Gélinas today blasted the McGuinty Liberals for continuing to deliver “second class” health care in First Nations communities.

“The Chiefs of Ontario know that we need to focus on the key social determinants of health. They know healing requires culturally appropriate health promotion. They’ve asked the McGuinty Liberals to invest in existing and new Aboriginal Health Access Centres (AHACs) and promote health in First Nations communities. Why are the McGuinty Liberals ignoring their obligations?” said Gélinas.

NDP Leader Howard Hampton is demanding the McGuinty Liberals place Aboriginal rights ahead of mining rights.

“With First Nation leaders in jail because they were forced to stand up and protect their Aboriginal rights and traditional lands, the McGuinty Liberals continue to put mining interests ahead of Aboriginal interests,” said Hampton.

NDP Leader Howard Hampton condemned the McGuinty Liberals for awarding Platinex Inc. 72,000 acres of new mining claims in Northern Ontario.

“It’s outrageous that the McGuinty Liberals awarded Platinex new mining rights to 72,000 acres of land while leaders from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) continue to languish in jail,” said Hampton.

NDP Leader Howard Hampton continues to press for justice for jailed Ontario aboriginal leaders.

During today’s Question Period, Hampton reiterated concerns expressed at a large rally at Ryerson University held in support of the jailed aboriginal leaders from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) and Ardoch Algonquin First Nations.

NDP Leader and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton today met with Chief Donny Morris of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) at the Thunder Bay Corrections Centre. Hampton was accompanied by NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy and Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.

NDP Leader Howard Hampton condemned the McGuinty Liberals for bungling Aboriginal relations following the revelations that NAN First Nations suspended Northern Table negotiations with the McGuinty government.