Fox Lake, Alberta
July 12, 2011
Check against delivery
Elders, Chief Laboucan, community members, students.
It's a privilege and pleasure for me to join you today for the opening of your new Fox Lake Elementary School.
Schools represent an investment in the community's youth, a source of jobs and resources for communities. And they are a symbol of hope and prosperity.
This new school for the students of Fox Lake underscores the importance of cooperation and partnership. It is also a clear example that close cooperation between the professional management team – Chief, Council, community members, school principal, government officials and consultants – combined with strong leadership here in the community, can result in major and significant achievements.
Your new elementary school will welcome 500 students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. This facility will ensure that the children of your community have the best possible learning environment to help them succeed in their studies, and start building a solid foundation for realizing their dreams.
Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, our Government is proud to have contributed $32 million to the construction of this school. It is through investments like this one that we are able to stimulate economic growth AND improve educational outcomes for First Nations students.
School infrastructure is, of course, only part of the Plan. Through investments in community infrastructure, our Government is supporting a variety of projects that will provide lasting, sustainable benefits for First Nations.
We are committed to ensuring that First Nations are part of Canada's strong economy. That is why our Government is putting special emphasis on improving education in partnership with First Nations and the provinces.
On June 9th, our Government and the Assembly of First Nations embarked on a new phase in our relationship. Together, we announced a Canada-First Nation Joint Action Plan – a Plan to improve the lives of First Nation people across Canada.
One of the key commitments in this Action Plan is education. And, on June 21st, National Chief Atleo and I officially launched the National Panel on First Nation elementary and secondary education. The work of this Panel is another important step towards stronger schools, higher outcomes and a brighter future for First Nation students.
Like you, our Government believes in education, for all Canadians. It opens doors, offers choices, and creates opportunities.
We want to see First Nation students succeeding at school. And most of all – we want to help them to get the skills they need to find good jobs and build a future.
We are moving towards this goal. The new Fox Lake School is an important step along the way. Congratulations to you all on this great accomplishment, and my best wishes to you and the children of your community.
Thank you.
