Justin Trudeau vows to equalize funding for First Nations education

Morning North9:40Justin Trudeau campaigns in Sudbury

The leader of the federal Liberal Party was in Sudbury and made his first stop of the day at the Morning North studios. Justin Trudeau spoke to CBC host Megan Thomas.

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau is campaigning in northeastern Ontario today.

In an interview on CBC Sudbury's Morning North radio program, Trudeau pledged that his party would move toward equalized spending between public school boards and those run by Canada's Indigineous people.

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"We need to get First Nations education right, and that means making sure that First Nations have control over their education," he said.

"But also that we move toward parity in funding that kids in First Nations communities have the same dollars invested in their education as in the provincial system. Toward that, we're talking about half a billion dollars a year invested in First Nations education for a total of $2.6 billion over four years of our mandate."

He also pledged to set up an inquiry within 100 days of being elected to look into the missing and murdered aboriginal women.

Promises for mining, forestry

At a campaign stop at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Trudeau announced $200 million in spending to help industries such as the mining and forestry sectors.

"A lot of it is going to be working with research institutes like Laurentian University, working with the provinces on issues like the Ring of Fire," he said.

"The federal government needs to be a much better partner. Andit means reaching out to communities and municipalities that have opportunities that need a little more financing and funding for."

He also announced a pledge to spend $100 million dollars more for the clean technology sector and innovative start-up companies.

At one point during his Sudbury visit, Trudeauwas asked to name his favourite Avenger super hero:

Justin Trudeau's favourite Avenger

9 years ago

Duration 1:11

Justin Trudeau answers a question from a local radio reporter in Sudbury, Ontario about his favourite comic book hero.