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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says the timing of a press release issued by
Education Minister Tom Hedderson yesterday afternoon was very suspicious.
Minister Hedderson announced that he has asked the Nova Central School Board
to look at other options besides closing Leo Burke Academy in Bishop’s
Falls, a decision that was very unpopular in the area, just ten days before
the upcoming by-election in Exploits District. "I am very pleased that
Minister Hedderson had a change of heart and has decided to direct the
school board to look at other options," said Mr. Reid. "Before the
by-election was called in Exploits District, Minister Hedderson said it was
a decision of the school board. We now know that it is the minister who has
the authority and actually pulls the strings on all of these school
closures.
"I congratulate the parents and students of Leo Burke Academy for using
this opportunity to pressure government into making this decision. However,
I suggest the people of Bishop’s Falls get a written commitment from both
the minister and the premier. As we witnessed first hand during the crab
dispute, this government is known to break their promises. The people of
Bishop’s Falls should continue pressuring this government until they have a
firm commitment that their school will not close.
"Now that Minister Hedderson has intervened in this school board
decision, he should also re-evaluate the decisions to close other schools in
the province. The parents and students from Eastport, Musgrave Harbour and
Green Bay should demand the same treatment from this government. Do they
also need a by-election in their area to get the same commitment from this
minister?
"It is unfortunate that this government will only make commitments when
they feel it is in their best political interest. I assure Minister
Hedderson that I will be watching closely to ensure that he keeps his word
on this commitment; the parents and students of Bishop’s Falls will be
watching closly, and I am hopeful that George Saunders will stand in the
House of Assembly and challenge this minister should it become apparent that
this was a hollow promise in an effort to get votes in the upcoming
by-election." |