Mother of sick First Nations boy challenges Harper to show face in court

By Tim Fontaine
APTN National News
Maurina Beadle is as defiant as ever.

“I’m not afraid,” said Beadle. “I’m not afraid to go back into the courthouse again.”

It’s something she may have to do to ensure treatment continues for her son Jeremy who has multiple disabilities requiring medical care at more than $8,000 a month.

The federal government chips in a fraction of that while the Pictou Landing First Nation, in Nova Scotia, pays the rest.

In 2011, the band took Ottawa to court and in April won. Now the federal government is appealing the victory which won on the Jordan’s Principle.

It’s an agreement that the feds have with a handful of provinces stipulating First Nation families will have hospital bills covered and the governments will argue who has to pick up the tab later.

“You know one thing? I’d like to see the prime minister of Canada show his face in that courtroom the same time as I do,” said Beadle. “All that is needed is the full implementation of Jordan’s Principle. Mr. Harper, get off your…open up your eyes and look at it. Step out of your circle.”

The band will continue to pay for Jeremy’s care while the case goes through the courts even though they say they’ve already paid $180,000.

Beadle said she’s frustrated but ready for round two.

“We won the first case, we’re going to win the second,” she said. “I’m going to make sure of it.”

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Twitter: @anishinaboy

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4 thoughts on “Mother of sick First Nations boy challenges Harper to show face in court

  1. Heather says:

    My heart and prayers are with her and her son…

  2. DON’T HOLD YOUR BREATH WAITING FOR THAT PISSANT HARPER TO SHOW UP HE’S A COWARD AND ALWAYS SENDS SOMEONE ELSE TO DO HIS DRTY WORK. GOD BLESS YOU AND HOPE YOU WILL YOU BE SUCCESSFUL.
    WHY FIRST NATIONS HAVE TO PAY MEDICAL THAT OTHER CITIZENS GET IT FOR FREE IS BEYOND ME. ITS JUST EAN ND SPITEFUL.

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