Canada Votes - Your Interview

Aboriginal issues have so far not been top of mind in this federal election campaign. Although not all party platforms have been released, the ones that have been have sections on Canada's relationship with aboriginal people.

According to the 2006 census, aboriginal people make up 3.8 per cent of the country's population. About 40 per cent of aboriginal children live in poverty, and life expectancy is about seven years shorter than the rest of the population.

But what is needed? The Assembly of First Nations has launched a campaign to get First Nations people involved in the federal election. The AFN is encouraging First Nation communities to hold a day of political action on Sept. 29 to talk about the federal election, and encourage federal leaders to include aboriginal issues in the debates.

AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine answers your questions about aboriginal issues.

The election campaign is well under way, and all parties have had a chance to find their footing leading up to the Oct. 14 vote. The leaders and candidates are all trying to reach as many people as possible, as effectively as possible. To do that, they have people behind the scenes helping them – political strategists.