Where is the focus on First Nations problems? – Times Colonist

November 24, 2015

Canada is preparing to welcome and support 25,000 Syrians by year end. The federal government estimates costs at $1.2 billion or $48,000 per refugee over six years.

People prepared to expend time and money efforts toward Syrian refugee intake say that we can simultaneously address both external and internal humanitarian needs, but those questioning how this stance translates into practice are too readily deemed heartless, Muslim-bashing racists.

A Vancouver realtor renovating and providing an apartment building to house refugees is hailed a hero, while that city’s own homeless are left unhoused.

There is dire need for adequate, safe First Nations housing; with 37.3 per cent of households requiring major repairs, and 43.5 per cent of adults with asthma as well as 52 per cent with chronic bronchitis living with mould. Furthermore, 93 of our First Nations are under boil-water advisories, a situation governments expect will take at least five years to resolve.