"I have been told that information has been forwarded to Treasury Board that suggests the elimination of 378 teaching positions in the province," said Mr. Reid. "The minister continuously deferred this question and said we would find out in the budget how many positions will be eliminated. This is not acceptable.

"As a former Education Minister, I know how important these teaching positions are to rural parts of our province. Our government was presented with this same option in last year’s budget and decided against such drastic cuts because of negative impacts that would be experienced in our classrooms. Why would this minister, who in Opposition championed the cause against any cuts, now suggest they happen? This is not an acceptable solution to balancing the budget.

"Is this minister willing to sacrifice the education needs of our student population? If this minister is planning to gut our education system to balance the fiscal deficit, I would suggest he consider the consequences before it is too late. Now is the time to ensure that these cuts do not take place and the importance of our education system is maintained. How can this government say they are committed to rural Newfoundland and Labrador, and at the same time cut the services that are so badly needed? This government must change their priorities before next week’s budget. A social deficit should not be created to balance a fiscal deficit."