Budget targets $3.4B for "critical" needs of Indigenous communities

OTTAWA, ON-The Canadian government announced it is increasing its spending on post-secondary education, community infrastructure and the health of Indigenous people in the most recent federal budget. Observers say this is a clear attempt to slow criticism over its handling of crises that plague First Nations and Inuit communities.

The 2017 budget adds $3.4 billion additional over five years for areas of "critical need," in addition to the $8.4 billion already committed in 2016.

"We have made significant investments that we think will make a difference," Canada's Finance Minister, Bill Morneau,...