Minister Valcourt talks First Nations Control of First Nations Education and Investing in First Nations Youth at the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Français

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Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Feb 18, 2014, 13:13 ET

Proposed Legislation to Focus on Better Outcomes for First Nation Students

THUNDER BAY, ON, Feb. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - Today Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt addressed the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce to discuss important reforms in First Nations elementary and secondary education.

Highlights of the speech included:

  • the historic agreement reached between the Government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations paving the way to both draft and introduce the First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act;
  • new investments of $1.9 billion in First Nation elementary and secondary education; and
  • the opportunities for change that will be contained in the bill to support First Nations education.

The Minister also spoke of how the Government of Canada is investing in nearly 4,000 First Nations youth from across the country to provide skills training and job readiness activities under enhancements to the Income Assistance Program delivered on reserves.

The Government of Canada continues to take concrete steps to create the conditions for more prosperous, self-sufficient First Nation communities. Investing in First Nations elementary and secondary students and jobs and skills training for youth will lead to their greater participation in the economy, healthier First Nation communities, and a stronger Canada.

Quick Facts

  • First Nation youth represent the fastest growing segment of our population.
  • The current education system has resulted in outcomes that are drastically below the national average. The results of the 2011 National Household Survey, released June 2013, indicate that the high school completion rate for First Nations individuals living on reserve ages 18-24 is 38%, compared to 87% nationally.
  • With more than 400,000 Aboriginal youth projected to be ready to enter the labour market over the next 15 years, helping Aboriginal youth to succeed in school and graduate will be critical to increasing their participation in Canada's economy.
  • Under enhancements to the Income Assistance Program, First Nations youth will have access to a range of services and programs aimed at increasing their job prospects and supporting them as they move into the workforce, including: basic life-skills training, skills training and career counseling.

Quotes

"Our Government firmly believes that First Nation students across Canada deserve access to a school system with the structures and supports that are available to non-First Nation students across Canada. The First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act will be good for First Nations, it is good for Canadians, and it is good for our country's future."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

Related Products

Minister Valcourt's Speech to Chamber of Commerce (hyperlink)

Associated Links

SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Contacts

Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160

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PHOTO Minister Valcourt addresses the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce - February 18, 2014

Organization Profile

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Related Organization(s)

Government of Canada