Education Minister Hal Perry was back on the hot seat today in the P.E.I. legislature.
The Opposition fired a number of questions at Perry about cuts to his department.
Opposition Leader Steve Myers asked Perry if bus drivers that are retiring won’t be replaced and whether that will exacerbate the issue of long bus rides.
Myers said two-hour bus rides are impacting student learning.
Perry said that issue hasn’t been brought to his attention.
Perry even took hard questions from members of his own party.
Liberal MLA Robert Henderson questioned the process of determining when to delay or close schools during winter weather. Henderson doesn’t think current process is working.
Perry said the department has spotters across the province that talk early in the morning and make the decision collectively.
Communities Minister Robert Mitchell also tabled the white paper on the new Water Act, with consultations expected to start this summer.
Mitchell said the white paper outlines components of an act that could be used to protect and conserve the province’s water supply. No doubt, the controversial issue of high capacity wells will be part of the public discussions.
There were also questions about a 70 per cent cut to a provincial program that attempts to assist Islanders find work.
Workforce Minister Richard Brown says federal funding for skills development is being slashed about $1 million.
[“source – theguardian.pe.ca”]
