Statement made on 21 April 2010 by Senator Robert Peterson
Hon. Robert W. Peterson:
Honourable senators, my question is to the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Since the federal and provincial governments pulled their funding from the First Nations University of Canada this spring, the future of this great Canadian institution has been in peril. I am proud to report that much has changed at First Nations University, thanks to the support and hard work of the community, including students, faculty, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, the University of Regina and members in the other place. The university now boasts a new board of governors and a new interim president. The university is developing a sensible, sustainable business plan.
These meaningful changes have helped the university to receive a renewed commitment from the province. However, to date, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development has committed only to a one-time lump sum to ensure operations through to August of this year. This lack of commitment has caused layoffs, uncertainty and the impending closure of the university's Saskatoon campus.
Can the Leader of the Government in the Senate report on the progress being made to secure long-term funding for the First Nations University of Canada?
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