World News – CA – Canada launches task force to examine post-secondary education in the North

Access to high quality education is essential not only for individual success, but also for local economies and Canada as a whole This is why the Government of Canada is working with provincial partners , territorial, indigenous and community communities of the North and the Arctic to develop long-term opportunities that provide better access to quality education, build healthier communities and support a sustainable and vibrant economy

Access to quality education is essential not only for individual success, but also for local economies and Canada as a whole. That is why the Government of Canada is working with provincial, territorial, Indigenous and communities across the North and Arctic to develop long-term opportunities that provide better access to quality education, build healthier communities and support a sustainable and vibrant economy

Today the Minister of Northern Affairs, the Honorable Daniel Vandal, announced the appointment of 13 members to a post-secondary education task force dedicated to improving educational opportunities and outcomes. education in Canada’s North and Arctic

The Northern Postsecondary Education Task Force will help meet the goals set out in the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework that aim to address the education and skills gaps that exist between the North and the rest of Canada These innovative solutions will be led by Northerners, for Northerners, ensuring the unique needs of remote and northern communities are met

Through engagement and consultation with Indigenous partners, youth, governments, post-secondary institutions and leaders, the task force will make recommendations to the Minister of Northern Affairs on how to overcome barriers and making post-secondary education accessible to more Northerners

Minister Vandal congratulates the newly appointed members of the Task Force for being selected to undertake this important work and thanks the partners for the excellent candidates proposed. Northerners will be able to provide feedback to the Task Force through its mobilization and consultation efforts

« Every Canadian deserves a real and fair chance at success, no matter where they live. When more Canadians are able to continue their education, practice new skills or learn on the job, they are better prepared to find and keep good jobs now and in the future As we look beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, the recommendations of this task force will be critical in shaping this recovery I would like to congratulate the new members of the working group for being selected to undertake this important work and to thank our partners for the excellent candidates they have proposed. »

The creation of the Post-Secondary Education Task Force is a key priority for the Government of Canada, as outlined in the mandate letter from the Minister of Northern Affairs, the Prime Minister

Nominations for the working group were presented by northern governments, Indigenous organizations and Arctic and Northern Strategic Framework co-development partners

Task force members are expected to lead public engagement sessions in the North and elsewhere, while adhering to public health guidelines; and make recommendations in a final report on how to improve education outcomes in the North A first draft of recommendations is expected to be completed in winter 2021

Budget 2019 proposed a number of new measures to complement existing efforts to strengthen Arctic and northern communities, including $ 40 million over five years to support post-secondary education options in the North This funding includes:

Secondary education, Higher education, High school, Infrastructure, Government of Canada, Ottawa