New funding commitment from territory isn’t enough to fill gap left by Jordan’s Principle, say educators
N.W.T. Teachers’ Association says schools remain ‘terribly underfunded’
The Northwest Territories Department of Education says it will spend $35 million per year on inclusive schooling, staff training and early childhood development for at least the next three years.
The territory has extended the funding until at least 2029 after it initially committed $35 million in its 2026-2027 budget.
That’s after the territory lost nearly $60 million in Jordan’s Principle funding, leaving a gap despite the territorial government’s spending commitment.
The N.W.T. Teachers’ Association says it’s a step in the right direction, but the money is not enough.
“The bottom line is we have a terribly underfunded education system that is currently not meeting the needs of many students,” said the association president, Rita Mueller.
“If the government means business and wants to make a difference, then we should see that doubling or tripling and there’s no exaggeration here.”
The funding shortfall comes as attendance in schools is low, with some students at least three years behind by the time they graduate. Positions have also been cut at some schools this year as a result of the funding loss.
“We have a huge gap still in the ability for schools and education authorities to be able to staff properly,” Mueller said.
The education department says it is conducting a financial needs assessment until 2029 for future spending.
“The $35 million is ongoing funding and does not end in 2030,” said Agata Gutkowska, a spokesperson for the education department, in an email statement.
Jordan’s Principle provided vital support for Indigenous students across the territory. It is a legal rule ensuring First Nations children get timely access to public health and social services.
N.W.T. Education Minister Caitlin Cleveland has defended her government’s approach to education spending, saying she’s still fighting to fill the gap left by the federal program.
“We still have work to do as far as making sure that we are continuing to increase that funding, continuing to advocate [for funding] from the federal government, and also resetting our own formula,” she said.
Gutkowska with the education department said it is assessing the funding formula, but has not made any decisions about changing the existing model.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: N.W.T. school boards hope territorial funds help fill gap left by Jordan’s Principle, CBC News
Finland: One in 10 Finnish families with young children dealing with food insecurity: survey, Yle News
