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Government, opposition respond to UN criticism over Attawapiskat

A United Nations official had harsh words for the Harper government over the housing crisis in Attawapiskat on Tuesday.

James Anaya, the United Nations special rapporteur on indigenous peoples of the UN, is calling conditions in the northern Ontario first-nations community "dire."

"I have been in communication with the Government of Canada to express my deep concern," Anaya wrote in a statement.

"The social and economic situation of the Attawapiskat seems to represent the condition of many First Nation communities living on reserves throughout Canada, which is allegedly akin to third world conditions.

"Aboriginal communities (in Canada) face vastly higher poverty rights, and poorer health, education and employment rates as compared to non-Aboriginal people."

Anaya added he would be monitoring the situation closely while keeping an open dialogue with the Conservative government.

In response to the public rebuke, the Harper government quickly fired back, characterizing the statement as an attention-grabbing stunt.

"Anyone who reads the letter will see it lacks credibility," Michelle Yao, a spokeswoman for Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan wrote in an e-mail to the Globe and Mail. "Our government is focused on the needs of the residents of Attawapiskat — not publicity stunts."

Yao also made sure to point out the letter was erroneously addressed to former foreign affairs minister Lawrence Cannon, who was defeated in a federal election earlier this year and replaced by John Baird.

The opposition, on the other hand have welcomed the UN missive.

In an open letter to Anaya, NDP MP Charlie Angus, who brought national attention to the conditions in Attawapiskat with a recent YouTube video, states Canada is failing First Nation families living in Canada's north.

"I can attest that the horrific conditions that are "alleged" in your statement are indeed real. We have families living in tents, unheated cabins and shacks that have no access to running water or plumbing," he wrote.

"I implore you to come to Attawapiskat First Nation and see conditions for yourself. This is a wonderful community that has been slowly ground into the dirt as a result of systemic under funding, discrimination and gross negligence by the Government of Canada."

(CP photo)