Canada Commits to Increased Post-Secondary Funding For First Nations and Inuit Students

From: Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

News Release

April 28, 2017     Regina, Saskatchewan        Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Helping First Nations and Inuit students succeed in completing their post-secondary studies will significantly improve their quality of life, allowing them to access better job opportunities and contributing to stronger economic growth in their communities, and in Canada.

To ensure that First Nation and Inuit students have the same opportunities for success as other Canadian students, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, announced today that the proposed Budget 2017 investments will increase funding to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program by $90 million over two years, beginning in 2017–18.

The Post-Secondary Student Support Program provides funding for First Nation and Inuit students to pursue post-secondary education. This funding aims to help students succeed in completing their studies and access better job opportunities by addressing the pressure of expenses such as tuition fees, living allowances, books and supplies as well as transportation.
 
The Government will also undertake a comprehensive and collaborative review, in partnership with Indigenous partners, of all current federal programs that support Indigenous students who wish to pursue post-secondary education. The purpose of the review will be to ensure that these programs meet the needs of individual students while supporting attendance at, and completion of, a post-secondary degree or other credential.

Quotes

“Education is the key to opening many doors, and leads to better health and economic outcomes. We are committed to improving access to post-secondary education for Indigenous students and giving them the support they require to be successful.  Investing in Indigenous students is an investment in a strong future for Canada.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

Quick Facts

  • Budget 2017 invests an additional $90 million over two years to support First Nation and Inuit students through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.

  • This funding will support the post-secondary education financial needs of over 4,600 students over the two-year period.

  • The current budget for the Post-secondary Student Support Program is $340 million which supports approximately 23, 000 First Nation and Inuit Students.

Associated Links

Contacts

Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
613-697-8316

INAC Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

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