Ontario minister indicates interest in getting involved in delivery of education in First Nations
Education vital in remote areas; Minister talks about 'blending' jurisdiction for Native schools
Ron Grech, February 11, 2008
Ontario Education Minister Kathleen Wynne says she is open to discussing the idea of a federal/provincial "blending" of jurisdictions for schools located in remote First Nation communities.
The province already finances some schools on First Nations, including those in Moosonee and Moose Factory.
But in most remote First Nation communities like Attawapiskat, education falls solely under the federal government's jurisdiction. MPP Gilles Bisson (NDP -Timmins-James Bay) has been advocating for years for First Nation schools to fall under the provincial jurisdiction because he feels Ottawa is not doing enough for students in communities like Attawap-iskat.
Wynne is non-committal but said she is open to discussing the idea with Bisson.
Both provincial members were in Moosonee on the weekend, attending the launch of a literacy program benefiting children in that community.
"He knows the community (of Attawapiskat) very well and I would look forward to speaking with him about this," said Wynne.
She said her ministry is engaged in ongoing dialogue with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada because when Aboriginal students leave their home reserve, there is usually a transition from attending federally-run schools to those that are provincially run.
"There is no specific initiative right now to blend the education systems but I would agree, it's worth a conversation," Wynne said.