Hundreds of Alberta educational assistants won’t return to classrooms this fall, after changes in eligibility for Jordan’s Principle funding.
The funds from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) are no longer approved for school-related requests in most circumstances for off-reserve schools. Previously, many divisions were using Jordan’s Principle funding to support learning needs of Indigenous students, particularly those with disabilities.
Jordan’s Principle is a legal rule aimed at giving First Nations children the services they need without delay, named after five-year-old Jordan River Anderson who died waiting for care.
A statement from Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said learning support grants are increasing 2.32 per cent for next school year — plus more to account for recent wage increases.
“In recognition of the cost pressures related to support staff salary settlements, school boards were advised of an additional 2.68 per cent increase — an increase of $30 million — to learning support grants for the upcoming school year.”
Jennifer Cooper, a spokesperson for ISC, said in a statement schools that are not on reserve are the responsibility of provinces.
“Requests for educational supports for school boards off-reserve and private schools will be redirected to provincial school boards, or other existing provincially and federally funded programs,” the statement read.
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