Maybe enough, but far too late

It never ceases to amaze how long some issues have been ignored through the Liberals' 12 years in power. Thankfully, one of the most important looks like it's going to see some serious action this fall:

The federal government will spend at least an extra $1 billion to raise native living standards that have long embarrassed the Liberals, The Canadian Press has learned.

New funding for education, housing and other programs is to be announced Nov. 25, unless there's an early election, sources say. Prime Minister Paul Martin is to commit the extra cash when he meets with aboriginal leaders and the premiers in Kelowna, B.C.

It's far from clear that the amount committed will be enough to raise aboriginal living conditions near the level that most Canadians enjoy. And the article's mention that the money will be spread over a few years leads to concern that the funding will be diluted beyond recognition before it's ever put to any meaningful use. But even if the planned funding is nowhere near a full solution, it's at least a start.