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Place school bus safety at head of bus
urges Opposition
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Opposition Education Critic and MHA for the District of Port de Grave, Roland Butler, says that given the most recent concerns over school bus safety issues, it would be timely for government to carry out a comprehensive review of its policies and procedures as it relates to this very serious matter. AThe arrest last week of a bus driver on charges of impaired driving once again raises safety issues in the transportation of our school children,@ says Butler. AWhile this may very well be an isolated incident, it refocuses the need for a complete review of school bus safety and all its aspects.@ The Liberal MHA says that the Opposition has raised the issue of school bus safety on a number of occasions in the last three years. Concerns have been expressed about the age of the bus fleet and the inspection procedures that are in place to ensure busses are operating in peak condition. As well, the call for a review of seat belt installation on busses has also been advocated. AFurthermore, the Auditor General identified issues in his report ending March 2004. Specifically, he pointed out that there was no policy direction from the department of education in setting out the employment and training requirements for school bus drivers. As an example, there was not even a requirement for school boards to check for criminal records of all bus drivers at that point. AOn all of these issues the government has not shown any inclination to discuss or deal with these serious matters. Given the issue of school bus safety is once again being openly debated in the public, it would seem appropriate and timely for the minister of education to explain what has been done to address the concerns highlighted in the auditor general=s report and what adjustments are being implemented and considered. It=s time the education minister went the extra mile and showed some leadership on this matter to ensure it becomes a top priority of her department in the coming days. Children are defenseless unless we act on their behalf.@
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