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Anna Thistle, Liberal MHA for Grand Falls - Buchans
District and Opposition Post-Secondary Education Critic, says government
must provide some leadership and answers as the Post-Secondary White Paper
process comes to a close. "It is time for the
Minister to provide some of the preliminary data he has received from
Commissioner Wayne Ludlow," said Thistle. "It is my understanding that
government has received a summary document outlining some of the
recommendations heard during the consultation process held last year. In the
interest of openness and accountability pledged by this government in the
Blue Book and since taking office, the Minister has an obligation to release
this preliminary data.
"There are fears of massive tuition increases, program
cuts and campus closures in the public education system. According to the
statements made by the Minister of Education in the media and the House of
Assembly, there are indications that campus closures at College of the North
Atlantic and tuition increases at all public institutions are coming.
Students are now making plans for the next school year and it is time for
government to provide some stability to the system."
Thistle wants a commitment from the Minister of
Education that the White Paper will be released for public discussion prior
to any decisions being made by government. "I have spoken to student leaders
who have told me they have serious concerns about the impact of possible
budget cuts to come this year, cuts that government will defend by using
this White Paper process. It is essential that the content of this paper is
distributed widely for discussion before changes to education delivery are
made."
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