Signing of Memorandum of Understanding on Education to Support First Nation Students in Prince Edward Island

Check against delivery

Thank you. I'm very happy to be here today with Chief Francis, Chief Bernard, Minister Currie, Minister Campbell, and Minister Bertram to celebrate the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding.

I would especially like to thank Chief Francis and Chief Bernard for hosting this significant event.

We're here today to talk about education - a subject of great importance to all of us. And about how vital it is for us, as partners, to assist First Nation learners to achieve the best possible educational outcomes they can.

Investing in First Nations education is not only a benefit to First Nations communities; it's a long-term and sustainable investment for Canada's economy. Canada's economic and social well-being benefits from strong, self-sufficient Aboriginal people and communities.

Today, we are taking an important step towards improving education for First Nation students, attaining better outcomes, and providing a brighter future for First Nation students in Prince Edward Island.

With this Memorandum of Understanding, the Government of Canada, the Government of Prince Edward Island, and the Abegweit and Lennox Island First Nations have committed to working together to help First Nation students achieve educational success in PEI.

To support this objective, partners are committing to:

• developing and implementing a joint education action plan to address important things like early childhood and post-secondary education
• developing new tuition fee agreements;
• ensuring successful student transitions between school systems;
• developing culturally supportive policies and programs; and,
• developing and implementing appropriate performance criteria and indicators.

Another key element of this Memorandum of Understanding is the Government of Prince Edward Island's commitment to re-invest a portion of tuition into provincial programming to the benefit of First Nation learners. With the majority of First Nation students in PEI attending schools in the provincial system, this is an important commitment. I commend my provincial counterparts for this.

But, perhaps the most important aspect is an intangible one. It is the value of the relationship we are building as partners. It is the recognition that no single one of us working alone has all of the answers. That, instead, each partner brings something special to the table. That's certainly been our experience here in PEI and in concluding tripartite agreements from coast to coast to coast.

In Canada today, we have a real need for skilled labour, and trained, educated First Nation youth will play an important role in meeting that labour market demand. Ladies and gentlemen - education is the most important tool for improving the quality of life of individuals. It is a sure path to success for individuals, communities and economies.

Our government is committed to improving the lives of First Nations in Atlantic Canada - through education, and in other vital areas such as community infrastructure.

Through the Reforming First Nation Education Initiative, launched in 2008, and our Budget 2010 commitment to support tripartite education agreements, we are continuing our mission to achieve better educational outcomes.

And recently, we announced $5.9 million in funding for initiatives to improve First Nation infrastructure in Atlantic Canada. In all, nine projects ranging from broadband and fibre optic connectivity, to community planning road construction will be completed through the First Nations Infrastructure Fund.

Through programs such as the First Nations Infrastructure Fund and the Education Partnerships Program, our government is engaging First Nations in meaningful partnerships, fostering sustainable First Nation communities and supporting stronger, safer and healthier communities. These programs are concrete examples of the action we are taking and the real progress we are making to reform education, create jobs and improve the quality of life for First Nations in Atlantic Canada.

I'm honoured to celebrate the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding on education. I know that this is the product of much hard work - and of much good faith - by each of the parties. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations for all of your efforts in getting us here. I know that you've created a true partnership and a real foundation for student success.

I look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with you to improve First Nation educational outcomes in Prince Edward Island and to address other key issues facing First Nations in Atlantic Canada.

Thank you.