FNs Issues Matter to All Canadians: AFN Chief

FNs Issues Matter to All Canadians: AFN Chief

Monday, April 11, 2011 at 14:07

The chief of the Assembly of First Nations says First Nations education should be an election issue for all Canadians.

Chief Shawn Atleo addressed the Canadian Club of Toronto earlier today.

He says every year, First Nations schools face cutbacks.

And he says on average, a child going to school on-reserve is funded $2,000 less than a child in a neighbouring community, and says this climbs in some areas to more than $7,000.

Atleo says failing to invest in First Nations education will result in a dramatic increase in social costs.

He says on the other hand, if there is an investment, in one generation there is potential to generate $400 billion in additional output and save $115 billion in government expenditures.

Atleo says during this campaign, both Liberals and Conservatives have been quick to commit maintaining the 6.6% transfers to provinces for services like health, education and social services, while First Nations remain capped at 2 % despite having the fastest growing population.