For Immediate Release
November 4, 2024
NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) is echoing the comments made by the President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association (NLTA) on the lack of action from government to address the realities of daily life in schools.
“Government continues to push education off to the side, by refusing to address the worsening issues facing our education system,” said Dinn. “Whether it be class composition, violence in schools, resources for teachers, students and staff, this government continues to neglect the crucial investment into education.
“As a former teacher, I know firsthand the realities within our schools. It is troubling to continually raise these issues with the Minister, and have them fall on deaf ears,” said Dinn. “It is abundantly clear that government combined the school districts into the department without a plan, and now our school communities are paying for it.”
Government announced the Education Accord in January of this year to try to “reimagine the education system”. Dinn says government continues to kick the can down the road, as there have been several reports completed on education and consultations with teachers that government lets collect dust.
“We’ve found 24 reports completed since 2000 regarding education. That averages one per year. Not to mention Teacher Think Tanks and crucial talks with unions leading to no government action,” said Dinn. “The Education Accord is just going to collect dust along with these reports if government continues to sit on their hands and not get down to business and implement recommendations.
“I have emailed the acting Minister several times already this fall about the lack of resources in schools impacting teachers, staff, and students. I have asked specific questions with little to no response from the Minister,” said Dinn. “What is the point of having a acting Minister if he isn’t going to do the work?
“These students represent the future of our province. Students, along with teachers and staff, deserve to have a plan in place and a Minister who is responsive and prepared to do the hard work.”
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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
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