Question Period Note: Budget 2019 Post-Secondary Education in the North

• Budget 2019 announced investments supporting post-secondary education in the North including:
o establishing a task force on post-secondary education in the North;
o investing in the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning to support Indigenous knowledge and education; and
o supporting the construction of a new campus science building at the Yukon College.
• These investments support the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework and contribute towards achieving the objective of closing the gaps in education outcomes.
• Our Government is committed to continuing to work with our partners.

The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (Framework) was launched on September 10, 2019, following over two years of engagement and collaboration with Northerners and Canadians more broadly. The co-development of the Framework was also supported by roundtable engagements held with Arctic and Northern residents, youth and key experts and stakeholders, including industry, academics and non-governmental organizations.

The Framework sets out a long-term, strategic vision that will guide the Government of Canada's activities and investments in the Arctic to 2030 and beyond and will better align Canada's national and international policy objectives with the priorities of Indigenous peoples and Arctic and Northern residents.

The Framework is articulated around eight goals and specific to post-secondary education in the North is to nurture healthy families and communities. Within this goal, there is a very clear co-developed objective to close the gaps in education outcomes.

Budget 2019 announced investments for the implementation of a suite of post-secondary education in the North initiatives in support of the shared priorities, goals and objectives of the Framework. The outcome of the investments within the suite of post-secondary education in the North initiatives will close the gaps in education outcomes; and provide ongoing learning and skills development opportunities, including Indigenous-based knowledge and skills.

The task force on post-secondary education in the North will build on the reports and findings already completed by Northern and Arctic stakeholders.

Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning is a unique and innovative land-based program offering accredited university courses in a number of fields. The Government of Canada’s investment will support the development, extension and maintenance of its suite of accredited post-secondary courses and support the transition to a full term program.

The Government of Canada’s investment to construct a new campus science building to help Yukon College undertake its transformation into Canada’s first university north of 60°. The new science building will facilitate teaching, applied research and technology development by providing collaborative space for academia, researchers and industry.

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