Consultation Process on First Nation Elementary and Secondary Education

Overview

On December 11, 2012, the Government of Canada announced the start of the Government’s intensive consultations with First Nations on the development of a First Nation Education Act.

Canada is committed to working with First Nations to develop a First Nation Education Act and to fulfilling its consultations obligations pursuant to section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Intensive consultations with First Nation parents, students, leaders and educators, as well as the provinces, are integral to the development and drafting of legislation.

No legislation has been drafted. The purpose of these consultations is to get views and feedback so that legislation can be drafted. While legislation alone will not ensure better education results, legislation can help to govern the quality of education and help to strengthen partnership arrangements, which are proving critical to the success of First Nation students.

Process

The consultation process consists of two key stages. First, between January and April 2013, seven regional consultation sessions are being held across the country with First Nation Chiefs, educators, parents and others, on the proposed approach to legislation. Also, those with an interest in First Nation education are encouraged to take some time to read the discussion guide and take the online survey regarding the proposed legislative approach.

Following these consultations, the government will then take into consideration the views and perspectives shared during the first phase of consultation to help inform the drafting of proposed First Nation education legislation.

As part of the second stage of consultations, the Government of Canada is committed to sharing the draft legislation with all First Nation communities across Canada, as well as with provincial governments and other stakeholders, for feedback.

Status

Ongoing

What information is available?

• Consultations for Development of a First Nation Education Act
• Discussion Guide for consultation: Developing a First Nation Education Act
• Take our online survey