Statement made on 16 June 2009 by Senator Robert Peterson
Hon. Robert W. Peterson:
Honourable senators, it is well known that the condition of Aboriginal Canadians is of great importance to the members in this chamber. Being from Saskatchewan and having worked alongside First Nations individuals for many years, I pay close attention to these issues, particularly in relation to Aboriginal youth. That is why I was so alarmed when I heard about the Parliamentary Budget Officer's report on the funding requirements for First Nations schools. In his report, Mr. Page points out a $170 million funding shortfall for Aboriginal schools in Canada.
Equally disconcerting, Mr. Page found that since the Conservatives took power in 2006, only eight new First Nations schools had been constructed; a fraction of the average 35 schools per year built in the period, 1990 to 2000.
My question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. If quality education is the key to helping Aboriginal communities improve their quality of life, as I am sure my honourable colleague would agree, how can the government be so passive in meeting these most basic educational needs?
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