The MP for North Island Powell River is slamming the federal liberals after an Auditor General report indicating serious concerns about the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program.

“Local First Nations want to know that the federal government is working to remedy years of mistreatment and harm done at the hands of police services and the government itself,” said Rachel Blaney.

“So, it’s alarming to see that the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program has utterly failed - especially after the government put $500 million towards the program. Small communities, like ours, deserve equity in policing, no one should have to wait hours for help. I’d like to know where all this money went since the AG found that barely any improvements have been made to First Nations and Inuit policing, and with small communities falling behind.”

The program is intended to provide communities with a dedicated RCMP officer with services that are tailored to their needs.

The Auditor General stated that “Public Safety Canada’s and the RCMP’s actions are not aligned with building trust with First Nations and Inuit communities.”

The Auditor General’s report found that only 38 percent of communities had a dedicated officer, and Public Safety Canada was not working in partnership with Indigenous communities to provide equitable and appropriate services.