|
Liberal Opposition Critic for Education and
MHA for the District of Port de Grave, Roland Butler, says it is
evident from remarks made by the minister of education in the
House of Assembly today that government does not intend to
replace the unhealthy elementary school in Paradise with a new
structure.
The Liberal MHA questioned education
minister Joan Burke on the need for a new school given the
closure of the current Paradise Elementary for the remainder of
the school year due to a serious and extensive mould problem.
The minister=s
response indicated that a replacement school was not part of
government=s
intentions, despite students being dispersed to three separate
locations to continue their education.
AThe
minister clearly is not sensitive to parents=
concerns that sending their children back into that toxic
structure come next year is not an acceptable solution,@
says Butler. ACurrently,
government has seen fit only to address this very serious issue
with a band-aid solution. Parents have already indicated,
through various public comments and through a rally on the steps
of Confederation Building today, that a new school will be the
only satisfactory solution.
AIt is
rather ironic, on this National Child Day, that a government
would publicly proclaim with one minister that they are
committed to the health and safety of children, while another
minister stands up moments later and tries to defend a decision
that clearly compromises the health and safety of these very
same students. It exposes a double standard at its best and
shows a government unwilling to put its money where its mouth
has gone.@
Earlier this week, the Liberal critic also
called for a full environmental analysis of all schools across
the province to reassure parents that a safe air quality exists
in these leaning environments. Government has also failed to
respond to this request, notwithstanding that both parents and
teachers have called the Opposition office voicing their
concerns.
AWhat
is doubly ironic here is that just recently in the media the
premier used the health and safety of a child to help justify
his government=s
input of $15 million into the fibre-optic deal, but yet the
health and safety of students in the very schools they are
receiving their education from does not warrant a priority, nor
an investment by this misguided government.@
|