First Nations education act 'on hold,' minister's office says
The federal government is putting its controversial First Nations education act "on hold" until the Assembly of First Nations "clarifies" its position on the legislation in the wake of the resignation of its national chief.
Shawn Atleo stepped down as national chief of the AFN on Friday, saying he was tired of being a lightning rod for criticism of the government's plan to overhaul the educational system on reserves.
Atleo supported the government's revised legislation, which was introduced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in February, but faced opposition from regional chiefs across the country.
"Given the recent resignation of the national chief, following today's second reading vote, any further consideration of this legislation will be put on hold until the AFN clarifies its position," Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Vaclourt's office said in an emailed statement.
The government introduced draft legislation to change the way education is funded and controlled last fall. That draft bill was met with vocal criticism from First Nations leaders. At a special assembly in December, chiefs listed five conditions they said the legislation must meet.
The revised legislation heralded by Harper in February was tabled in the House last month. Valcourt said it met the conditions set out by the chiefs and had the support of Atleo, but not all First Nations leaders were satisfied, leading to a movement to oust Atleo last week before he made his stunning announcement to leave on Friday.
"The First Nations control of First Nations education act provides the structures and supports necessary to help First Nations students reach their potential and become full participants in the Canadian economy. It would entrench in law the five conditions for success identified by the chiefs in assembly last December," Valcourt's office said.
But opponents of the bill say it gives too much control to the minister of aboriginal affairs, doesn't protect treaty rights and the money attached falls far short of what is needed to make a difference for First Nations children.
"Pushing 'pause' isn’t enough. The government needs to listen to First Nations communities, who have been clear this bill is unacceptable in its present form," said Carolyn Bennett, the Liberals' aboriginal affairs critic. "The government should take the time to sit down with First Nations and work with them to draft a bill that truly reflects First Nations control of First Nations education."
