The Liberal Party is taking part in the First Nations National Week of Action on Education rally on Parliament Hill today to show support for improved access to education for Canada’s Aboriginal peoples.
“Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Party shares Chief Atleo’s passion for wanting to improve the lives of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples through education,” said Liberal Aboriginal Affairs Critic Todd Russell. “Liberals have listened and are committed to making education more accessible by increasing the participation of Aboriginal, Métis, Inuit and First Nations communities in the delivery of education to their children and youth.”
In a display of solidarity, Mr. Russell joined Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo, Chief Gilbert Whiteduck, Assembly of First Nations Youth Council members, Elders and regional First Nations Leaders on Parliament Hill today to support First Nations National Week of Action on Education
Yesterday, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff met with Chief Atleo and listened to the Chief discuss his plans to close the learning gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities and pledge the Liberal Party’s full support.
“Stephen Harper doesn’t have a plan to invest in the future of Aboriginal peoples in Canada,” continued Mr. Russell. “Over four years, his Conservative government has cut vital funding to First Nations University, scrapped the historic Kelowna Accord, and refused to endorse the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”
The Liberal Party is committed to investing in Aboriginal education in order to close the learning gap. A Liberal government would lift the 2 per cent cap on Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) post-secondary education funding.
That includes reducing financial support gaps for all Aboriginal learners, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit, while making investments in education more broadly.
“Liberals are also calling for the full restoration of funding to First Nations University and are also committed to ratifying the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous,” said Mr. Russell.
“In order for Canada to provide Aboriginal learners with an education that is second to none, Canada must work in full partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments, as well as provincial and territorial governments to achieve this goal,” concluded Mr. Russell.
