Federal Funding For New FNUC Not Certain: Strahl

Federal Funding For New FNUC Not Certain: Strahl

Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 14:13

Canada’s Indian Affairs minister is making no assurances about federal funding to the FNUC, despite recent talk of a new partnership with the University of Regina.

According to a letter written by Chuck Strahl published in the Globe and Mail, he notes the paper recently “speculated on a possible new funding arrangement for the institution, and the participation of the federal government in any new arrangement”.

In the letter, entitled “On Guard for Taxpayers”, Strahl says that while he continues to “remain an active participant in these discussions, I want to be clear that the government will no longer directly fund First Nations University”.

Strahl says “attempts to help make (FNUC) governance accountable” was “unsuccessful”, and that “the decision to discontinue funding as of March 31st was necessary to protect taxpayers money.”

He goes on to say that “while no decision has been made on how funds will be reallocated, I can confirm that they will be used to support First Nations learners”.

Strahl has not been available for comment despite repeated requests for an interview.