Provincial and territorial leaders across Canada are calling for a meeting with the prime minister to deal with poverty and lack of education in native communities.
Quebec Premier Jean Charest made the announcement at a press conference following a meeting of the Council of the Federation in Quebec City today.
Charest, who was speaking of behalf of the other premiers, said they want to build on Prime Minister Stephen Harper's historic residential school apology and focus on issues relating to native youths.
"Where do we now want to go? That's the question we are asking the prime minister. This isn't about confronting him or embarrassing the federal government. This is about recognizing that children and education is a very important issue," Charest said.
The premiers also expressed support for the Kelowna Accord, which puts aside $11.5 billion to address social and economic issues in native communities. The accord was signed by the former Liberal government but has not been implemented by the Conservatives.
Phil Fontaine, the Assembly of First Nations national chief, joined Charest for the announcement and said he hoped Harper would accept the invitation.
"It's important that the federal government be at the table. Their absence would cause any future work that we do together to fail," Fontaine said. "The Kelowna Accord is now Canadian law. What is missing is the financial commitment to implement the Kelowna accord. When we talk next steps, that is the most import step we can take."
Climate change discussed
Climate change was expected to be a hot-button issue at the meetings, which take place from July 16-18.
Dale Marshall of the David Suzuki Foundation said on Â鶹´«Ã½net that there are some divisive views on climate change between some provinces, with Alberta on one side and British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba and Ontario on the other.
"We have to be realistic about any consensus outcome at this meeting," Marshall said.
But he said it was his hope that a critical mass of provincial pressure would force Alberta into agreeing to strong climate change plans.
