News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

 

 

Andersen questions government on status of Hopedale school

Wants tender called immediately

February 11th, 2005

Wally Andersen, Opposition Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Critic and MHA for the District of Torngat Mountains, is asking government to call tenders for the repair of the Hopedale school that was damaged by fire last fall.

"In November, the Minister of Education committed to rebuilding the Hopedale school to it’s original size and dimensions," said Andersen. "To ensure that repairs and reconstruction are completed during the short Labrador construction season, tenders must be called so that steel and other materials can be ordered. It can often take several weeks or months to get materials to coastal Labrador. The Minister should update the people of Hopedale about the status of the reconstruction of their school.

"I am very proud of the people of this community who were able to work together to get the children back into school so quickly and make things work. It is only fair for government to keep it’s own commitment and ensure this school is fully repaired over the summer construction season this year."

The Hopedale School, opened in 1999, was damaged by fire on September 10, 2004. As a result of the efforts of the volunteer fire department, the main structure of the school was saved and the school partially re-opened shortly thereafter. Construction this summer will repair the gymnasium, staff room and other parts of the school that were most severely damaged.
 

Media Contact:
Jeff Mackey
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427