Access to high-quality education is critical to not only individual success, but to local economies, and all of Canada. That is why the Government of Canada is working with Provincial, Territorial, Indigenous, and community partners in the North and Arctic to develop long-term opportunities that provide greater access to quality education, build healthier communities, and support a sustainable and dynamic economy.

“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 that recovery.  I would like to congratulate the new task force members on being selected to undertake this important work, and to thank our partners for the excellent nominees they put forward.”

The Honourable Daniel Vandal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Northern Affairs

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

• Nominations for the Task Force were put forward by Northern governments, Indigenous organizations and co-development partners to the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework.

• The Task Force will assist in delivering objectives of the Framework, specifically:

  • To close the gaps in education outcomes; and
  • Provide ongoing learning and skills development opportunities, including Indigenous-based knowledge and skills. 

• Task Force members are expected to lead public engagement sessions both in the North and elsewhere, while adhering to public health guidelines; and to 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 options for post-secondary education in the North. This funding includes:

  • $1 million to establish a Task Force to study post-secondary education in the Arctic and North.
  • $26 million for a new campus science building in support of Yukon College’s transition to Yukon university; and
  • $13 million for the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning.

Related products

• Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education

Associated links

• Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework
• Budget 2019 – Building a Better Future for Canada’s North
• Inuit Nunangat chapter
• Pan-territorial chapter
• Northwest Territories chapter

For more information, media may contact:

Allison St.Jean
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs
allison.stjean@canada.ca

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

Stay connected

Join the conversation about the North:

Twitter: GovCan_North
Facebook: GovCan – North

You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.cirnac.gc.ca/RSS