Mr. Speaker, we know that experiences in early years influence a child's development, affecting lifelong health, well-being and learning abilities.
While conditions are improving, the general health status of Canada's aboriginal population is still below the national average. Sadly, first nations and Inuit children have higher risks of infant mortality. There are higher risks of FAS and poor nutrition and too many babies are born with unhealthy birth weights.
In the last throne speech the government committed to enhance early child development programs for aboriginal children--