Indigenous peoples and education focus of throne speech
The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, officially opens the first session of the 42nd Parliament.
On December 4, 2015, His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, delivered the Speech from the Throne to officially open the first session of the 42nd Parliament. The Speech from the Throne entitled Making Real Change Happen set the tone for the new Liberal government and committed parliamentarians to a renewed sense of collaboration and respectfulness with Canadians, provincial and municipal governments, and Indigenous peoples.
The Governor General outlined that the new government will focus on growth for the middle class, an open and transparent government, a clean environment and a strong economy, strengthening Canada’s diversity, and security and opportunity.
The Liberal government has promised to implement the recommendations for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and provide each First Nations child with a quality education.
“I am pleased that the federal government is committed to supporting Indigenous education by ensuring that Indigenous youth have a solid educational foundation,” said Dr. David Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor. “This aligns with the University of Manitoba’s commitment to Indigenous achievement and will help us foster the development of the next generation of Indigenous leaders.”
Deborah Young, executive lead, Indigenous Achievement, echoed her support for commitments in the Speech from the Throne.
“I commend the federal government on its willingness to improve the relationship with this country’s Indigenous peoples and to translate the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in to action.”
The University of Manitoba also supports the federal government’s plan to create more opportunities for young people by making post-secondary education more affordable, especially for low and middle-income families.
The University of Manitoba welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively with the federal government to meet its priorities in the years to come.