National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Shawn Atleo speaks at a news conference in Ottawa on January 10, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
December 17, 2013 - 12:24 PM
OTTAWA - Shawn Atleo, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, has written to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty asking for more funding for First Nations education in the next federal budget. Here's what Atleo says is needed:
— An immediate investment of $355 million in 2014-15 for classroom-level funding, which would then increase at a minimum of four per cent a year to ensure First Nations children receive a comparable education to the rest of Canadian children;
— $20 million over two years to create First Nation education organizations;
— $2.3 billion over 10 years in ongoing operation costs for regional First Nation education organizations;
— $2.6 billion over 10 years for a reconciliation fund to teach First Nations languages and culture in schools;
— $500 million over six years to build schools; and,
— $298 million over 10 years for operations and maintenance.
(Source: Atleo's Nov. 21 letter to Flaherty)
News from © The Canadian Press, 2013