The province is cutting red tape and improving access to education for First Nation students.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce and Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford announced the creation of a transparent process that allows all First nation students to access education without delay.

The new Reciprocal Education Approach, announced at Nipissing First Nation, removes the requirement to negotiate formal agreements for the base fee for students attending a provincially funded school or First Nation-operated school.

Lecce says this is all about helping to reduce the barriers for students.

“They want to give back and make a difference. And when there’s an impediment in the system that impedes the mobility for students on reserve to access education we have to address that,” he says.

Rickford says the government is addressing the needs of students.

“They represent one of the largest opportunities for human resources. In Northern Ontario, the single biggest component of our workforce potentially and we want to recognize that,” he says.

Glen Hare is the Grand Council Chief of the Anishnabek First Nation. He says this is all about options for students.

“The thing that’s really awesome is students have a choice. I’m focusing forward and not looking back. We know what’s happened it’s time to look ahead,” Hare says.

Meantime, Lecce was asked about The Canadian Union of Public Employees announcement that 93 per cent of its support staff workers voted in favour of job action, putting them in a legal strike position as of Sept. 30.

He says the government is working on reach an agreement.

“Our parents deserve predictability. My message to parents is the government including the Premier stands on their side in getting a deal. We want a deal. That is the single mission of the government,” he says.

(photos by station staff)

Filed under: glen-hare, greg-rickford, nipissing-first-nation, stephen-lecce