NDP First Nations and Mtis Relations critic Warren McCall called on the Wall government today to restore funding to the First Nations University of Canada (FNUC) and said Advanced Education Minister Rob Norris should urge the federal government to do the same. McCall noted that previous calls for reform of the institution have been made and that while details of a funding arrangement with the University of Regina are worked out, students and faculty at FNUC deserve a commitment from both levels of government that their school will continue to operate.
It is high time that the provincial and federal governments step back up with secure funding for the institution, McCall said. Students and faculty worried about whats coming next deserve some peace of mind that their partners will assist the First Nations University with getting back on track and moving forward.
Last Thursday saw Federal Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl deny a direct request from a First Nations University delegation to restore its funding. Later the same day, Norris stated his intention to travel to Ottawa to discuss the matter with Strahl in person. McCall said he was encouraged by the meeting but noted that Strahl repeatedly cites the provincial decision to pull funding as justification for the federal decision.
The meeting is a positive step but Minister Norris should be telling Strahl that provincial funding will be brought to bear in the new First Nations University model and that the federal government needs to do the same, McCall said. While Norris continues to posture on the issue and deny partners like the University of Regina even proper respect during this process, hes leaving the federal government with no real incentive to restore its funding.
McCall said the Wall government needs to answer a number of questions regarding its decision to pull funding as well as clarify its future intentions if it cannot convince the federal government to reverse its decision and restore its share of the funding.
The Wall government needs to explain to the students and faculty of First Nations University what the provincial government will do if the $7.2 million in federal money is not restored; this has not been made sufficiently clear, McCall said. But if the Wall government and the Harper Conservatives are truly determined to kill this vital institution, then who pays for the multiple liabilities associated with that decision and what will the price tag be? First Nations University of Canada is critically important to Saskatchewan and every effort should be made to see that it is saved and strengthened.
