News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

   

 

Education Week a perfect opportunity to reflect on budgetary needs of our education system

March 6, 2006

Roland Butler, Opposition Education Critic and MHA for the District of Port De Grave, says Education Week is a perfect opportunity for the people of province and government to reflect on the importance of education in our province.

"Education is one of the fundamental rights of every citizen in this province," said Mr. Butler. "We must ensure that we strengthen our education system, both secondary and post-secondary, and make the proper investments to provide similar educational opportunities to everyone in the province no matter where they live. It is also incumbent upon both federal and provincial governments to make education affordable to everyone.

"As we approach budget time once again, education must be a key priority. I call upon government to take this opportunity to realize the importance of education in our province and make the appropriate investments. School fees should be eliminated, infrastructure must be improved, post-secondary investments must be made, and teaching units and course offerings should be expanded. Government can say they are committed to education, however, it is just talk until they make the required investment to improve our system.

"Our education system appears to be facing significant changes in the coming months and years. I encourage government to think of the repercussions of their decisions before moving forward. If nothing else, Education Week should be an opportunity for government to realize the importance of education in our province and ensure the proper investment is made on behalf of our student population.

"On behalf of the Official Opposition, I want to wish all teachers and students a very enjoyable and educational week."

 

Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6151 or 709-687-0477