Provincial education ministers demanding improvements for First Nation education outcomes
Close education gap, ministers urge - Differences between natives, non-natives must be addressed, conference hears
September 25th, 2008
FREDERICTON - Canada's education ministers emerged from two days of meetings promising continued work on a hodgepodge of issues, including lagging aboriginal education.
The ministers pledged to use future sessions to close the education gap between aboriginals and non-aboriginals -- a goal they called "an economic, social and ethical necessity."
New Brunswick Education Minister Kelly Lamrock said the council of education ministers will invite the country's First Nations, Metis and Inuit leaders to discuss the issue at the council's next session in Saskatchewan in February.
"In a country as prosperous and fortunate and blessed as Canada, there's no excuse for having too many children and adults left behind by perpetually high rates of illiteracy and low rates of education," said Lamrock at a news conference. "We must work together to forever close the achievement gap that has been too stubborn and bedeviled too many governments for too long."
Lamrock said improving the country's education system, particularly in aboriginal communities, is essential for Canada to compete in the global marketplace. "All of our economic futures depend on closing that achievement gap," he said. "Education is the only guarantee of greater opportunity in Canada."
Ken Krawetz, Saskatchewan's minister, echoed that sentiment, saying aboriginal achievement, especially for children and youth, is critical to the future of Canada.