Opposition focuses on education in last question period of session

The fall sitting of the P.E.I. legislature came to a close this afternoon, and the Official Opposition focused on one issue during the final question period: changes to the education system.

A little less than a month ago, Education Minister Hal Perry outlined those changes, including the dissolution of the English Language School Board, and the formation of three new advisory committees.

• P.E.I.'s new education model: Opposition questions process
• P.E.I.'s English Language School Board to be dissolved
• New school closure, rezoning policy prepared

All through this legislative sitting, the Opposition has asked for more information on the plan, but the Liberal government has been short on details.

"Based on the department information we've been able to obtain so far, there's probably about 220 people that are going to sit on advisory committees reporting to you," said Steven Myers, education critic, as he addressed Perry. 

When will you begin the rezoning business?— Darlene Compton

"If you are[n't] prepared to take advice from 12 school board members what are the chances you are willing to take advice from 220 people?" asked Myers.

"We have many people now that will be involved in these councils providing information to shape the future of the education system," countered Perry. "We're very happy to move forward in a very collaborative and engaging effort with the community."

The Opposition said it's hearing questions about the new model from parents and educators, and said that the plan should have been tabled during this sitting.

Before the final question period of the session ended, PC MLA for Belfast-Murray River Darlene Compton tried to get Perry to address the thorny issue of rezoning, a process that could see Island students mandated to attend certain schools, to balance student populations.

"A major part of our planned overhaul here for education, for our schools, is rezoning. When will you begin the rezoning business?" Compton asked.

Perry said rezoning has been an issue, and the government has committed to look into it.