Fall 2005 Federal Pre-Budget submissions requested by AFN before the end of August
From AFN's Echo Volume 2, Number 4
The Assembly of First Nations is finalizing its 2005 Pre-Budget Submission for presentation to the Standing Committee on Finance in September. To ensure it includes the issues and concerns of all First Nations and is truly representative of all of our people, the AFN is asking for input from First Nations/Tribal Councils as to what you would like to see included for First Nations in next year’s Federal Budget.
The Pre-Budget Submission is an important opportunity to reach beyond the courts and Indian and Northern Affairs, and speaks directly to the central agencies and politicians that make important decisions in identifying the government’s plans and priorities, and explains our interests in a way that other forums do not allow. It has become an important tool in the AFN’s lobbying efforts, particularly in the current minority government situation.
The AFN is particularly interested in receiving testimonials about declining resources or other specific difficulties encountered by First Nations communities from across Canada. Statistics, reports and other data on life in your community would also be useful, as well as any input on policy issues.
In order for the AFN to incorporate your material into the Submission, please submit further input by August 28, 2005 to Yuri Artibise, Strategic Planning and Policy Coordination, at yartibise@afn.ca. For more information, call 1-866-869-6789 ext. 230.