April 10, 2014 – Ottawa, ON – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Bernard Valcourt today introduced Bill C-33, First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act in the House of Commons.
The proposed legislation will provide First Nations students with the education standards, supports and opportunities that most Canadians take for granted. It will require that First Nation schools design curriculums that ensure students can transfer seamlessly between schools on and off reserve, that students meet minimum attendance requirements, that teachers are properly certified, and that First Nation schools award widely recognized diplomas or certificates.
Acknowledging that First Nations are best placed to know what their youth need to succeed, the legislation recognizes the responsibility of First Nations in the administration of their own education systems on-reserve. To support First Nations control of First Nations education, as announced on February 7, 2014, the Government of Canada has committed to providing for stable, more predictable statutory funding that increases annually at a rate of 4.5 per cent.
The legislation follows years of unprecedented consultation, discussions, and studies, and reflects the efforts of many First Nations individuals and organizations from across Canada. The legislation also contains a number of changes from the October 2013 draft legislative proposal to address the five conditions for success identified by First Nations as necessary for the success of First Nations students.
The Act proposes to create a Joint Council of Education Professionals, comprised of experts in education, to provide advice to First Nations and the Government of Canada on the implementation of the Act and on the development of regulations. The Joint Council’s role would be to support First Nation Band Councils and First Nations Education Authorities in the improvement of the their education system, as well as play an oversight role ensuring that the ministerial powers provided by the Act are exercised with the benefit of the First Nations perspectives and used as a last resort.
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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