End the Gap in Funding for First Nations Schools

The Issue

First Nations schools get 30%-50% less government funding for their education than similar schools off reserve. Each year that we spend less on First Nations education we tell First Nations children that their dreams matter less. This is the wrong message to send to any child.

That's why we are calling on all political parties to work together to #EndtheGap and provide fair funding to First Nations children right now! It's time to stop using First Nations' kids futures as political bargaining chips and to support their humanity. The Liberal Party's pledge to end the gap after their four year mandate is not adequate for children who need support now.

All kids have dreams. Some get less. Together, we will do better.

To learn more check out endthegap.org

All kids have dreams. Some get less. Together, we will do better.

To learn more check out endthegap .org

Nick TanchukPetition Starter

Media inquiries

This petition had 1,700 supporters

The Issue

All kids have dreams. Some get less. Together, we will do better.

To learn more check out endthegap.org

All kids have dreams. Some get less. Together, we will do better.

To learn more check out endthegap .org

Nick TanchukPetition Starter

Media inquiries

Petition Closed

This petition had 1,700 supporters

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The Decision Makers

Tom Mulcair,

Leader, New Democratic Party of Canada / Chef, Nouveau Parti démocratique du Canada

Responded

“Thank you for signing the petition calling for an end to the gap in funding for First Nations education. The NDP believes it is time for a new era in our relationship with Indigenous peoples, a true nation-to-nation relationship, built on respect and meaningful progress when it comes to bringing about change. An NDP government will create a cabinet-level committee chaired by Prime Minister Tom Mulcair to ensure that all government decisions respect treaty rights, inherent rights, and Canada’s international obligations. We will implement the principles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and we will take action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations. We will also remove the punitive 2% funding cap on social transfers to Indigenous communities imposed by the previous Liberal and Conservative governments and establish a fair fiscal relationship to close the gap between Indigenous communities and Canadians. This will begin with major investments in First Nations education and critical infrastructure, including housing. We must not fail another generation. Secondary school graduation rates are 53% for First Nations students on-reserve, compared to 85% graduation rates for other Canadians. Inspired by the Shannen’s Dream movement, we commit to closing the education gap to ensure that every Indigenous child gets the educational opportunities afforded to every other child in Canada. To give Indigenous youth the best opportunities in life, the NDP will:  Work with Indigenous communities through a meaningful collaborative process to develop new education policies and laws based on the principle of Indigenous selfgovernment;  Make a new investment in First Nations education of $1.8 billion over the next four years to begin immediately the work of ensuring every Indigenous child gets the educational opportunities afforded to every other child in Canada;  Continue the work with annual increases over the long term based on an escalator so that the increase to First Nations education amounts to $4.8 billion over eight years;  Provide skills training by working with Indigenous partners to renew and improve the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy and ensure its long-term sustainability. For more information on our plan, please see our platform: http://www.ndp.ca/platform Best regards, Tom Mulcair Leader, New Democratic Party of Canada”

Tom Mulcair

Leader, New Democratic Party of Canada / Chef, Nouveau Parti démocratique du Canada

Responded