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Roland Butler, Opposition Critic for Education and MHA for the District of
Port De Grave, is disappointed that Education Minister Joan Burke has
launched a series of political style ads touting investments government has
supposedly made in the education system. Butler is suggesting that instead
of trying to score political points, this money could be better spent
addressing the problems that still exist in the education system. "While
realizing that government has made several investments in the education
system this year, there are still plenty of issues that have not been
addressed," said Mr. Butler. "I am disappointed that the minister has
launched a public relations campaign in an attempt to improve her image as
the school year begins.
"Last week, I issued a press release regarding the lack of school busing
services provided to students in several communities because of cutbacks. In
addition, school textbooks are still a financial drain on parents and
students, cutbacks have taken place in support staff hours and
infrastructure concerns will always require new investment. If there is
extra money available to be spent, I encourage the minister to stop wasting
this money through political advertising and use it on education issues that
still require investment.
"In the PC Blue Book from the last provincial election campaign, the
Tories promised they would not waste taxpayers money on political
advertising. I suggest the minister practice what she preached, pull these
blatant political ads and invest the remaining budget into the education
system for benefit of our student population."
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