Without equal education opportunities First Nations students will continue to face steep challenges, according to both NDP MPs in attendance at a rally opposing the First Nations Education Act (FNEA).

"Every child deserves an equal chance for a solid education, but on-reserve students are receiving up to a third less funding than those in other jurisdictions,"said Aboriginal Health critic Carol Hughes (Algoma -Manitoulin- Kapuskasing). "The FNEA fails to address this chronic underfunding and new Conservative rules aren't making a dent in the real problem."

Former Auditor General Sheila Fraser estimated that it could take up to 28 years to eliminate the education gap with First Nations students. Unfortunately, under the Conservatives, this gap has been widening, says the NDP.

Jean Crowder, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Cowichan

"What the AG and others have called for is legislation that would direct the federal government and enforce its responsibility and obligation to provide education," said Aboriginal Affairs critic Jean Crowder (Nanaimo-Cowichan). "Instead, the Conservatives have proposed legislation to micro-manage First Nations and force them to do more with less."

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo has already spoken out against the FNEA in an open letter to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada Minister Bernard Valcourt.