Rae marks National Aboriginal Day

Liberal Leader Bob Rae issued the following statement to mark National Aboriginal Day:

When I visited Attawapiskat last December, I met a two-month-old aboriginal girl named Caley. I still remember her lock of dark hair and peaceful face as she slept.

While Caley's mom and dad do everything they can for her in troubling conditions, there is a crisis in Aboriginal communities across Canada that is robbing hope for children like Caley, and their families.

There is no fundamental human right more basic than the right to eat when you are hungry. In a country as bountiful as ours, truly no Canadian child should want for food.

Yet this National Aboriginal Day, June 21, tens of thousands of Aboriginal peoples, including children, will experience hunger, and the insecurity of not knowing when they'll eat next - which is why I'm asking you speak up and sign our petition.

The growing disparity between the rich and poor in Canada, particularly between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians, has left 2-3 million men, women and children across the country food insecure.

Access to sufficient, safe, healthy and adequate food also has a profound impact on the productivity of our workforce. Food insecurity increases poor health and drives up healthcare costs.

Yet this Conservative government continues to deny that Canada has a problem - all the while ignoring the 800,000 Canadian households in crisis.

As National Aboriginal Day approaches, we recognize and celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada for their important contribution to this nation that gives each of us so much.

Please take a moment on behalf of kids like Caley to draw urgent attention to the problem of food insecurity in Aboriginal communities.

Join me, along with the Liberal Aboriginal Peoples' Commission, and speak up for food security this National Aboriginal Day.

Click Here to sign and share our petition.