"Today, 256 teachers will be eliminated," said Mr. Reid. "Many of these teachers will be our youngest, brightest and most energetic new professionals. It is unfortunate that their positions will be eliminated before they truly have a chance to educate our young people.

"How can government justify eliminating 22 positions in Labrador, 40 positions in the Lewisporte-Gander system, 36 positions in the Avalon West school board, 60 positions on the west coast and northern peninsula, 10 positions in the Burin system, 13 positions in the Vista school district, 23 positions in the Baie Verte-Central-Connaigre system and 52 positions in the Avalon East Board. These cuts are certainly going to have a negative impact on our rural communities and our students will be the ones who will suffer the most."

Mr. Reid noted that while 256 positions will be eliminated this year, government has already announced that another 220 positions will be eliminated next year.

"I cannot understand how this government can continue to state that these cuts will have no impact on the education of our young people. The elimination of 476 teaching positions will surely result in larger class sizes, reduced curriculum offerings and the removal of extra curricular activities that are vital to a well-rounded education. If government believes this is an improvement, I fear what plans they envision for the future.

"Today’s cuts are a sad reflection of a government who continues to create a social deficit with their decisions. If this government continues on their current path of cutbacks, I fear that the education of students could be severely threatened in the future. This will do nothing to help grow our province for the betterment of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."