Mr. MacDonald questions Minister of Education about school closures in central Edmonton neighbourhoods
The following is copied from the February 8, 2010 printed transcripts of the Legislative debate and discussion.
Mr. MacDonald (Edmonton-Gold Bar Lib): Thank you, Mr.
Speaker. Since 2002 15 public schools in the Edmonton public school
division have been closed, resulting in 6,900 student spaces disappearing
from central Edmonton neighbourhoods. My first question is to the Premier.
Given that Alberta Education and the government project that we are going
to have 80,000 more students in the system in the next 15 years than
we presently have, does the government not think that these school
spaces that are closed and the proposed plans to close additional
ones will be counter to the government’s strategic plan?
The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Education.
Mr. Hancock (Edmonton-Whitemud PC): Well, thank you, Mr.
Speaker. We are moving as fast as we can to build spaces for students
where the students are. That obviously has implications for spaces where
there are not student populations, and school boards have the obligation
to rationalize their student spaces in the best interests of educational
opportunities for their students. I have to say, Mr. Speaker, that the
Edmonton public school board has one of the best examples of this
with the city centre school project where, indeed, they had to close
some student spaces a number of years ago, but they created better
opportunities for the students in that area, better educational
opportunities.
The Speaker: The hon. member.
Mr. MacDonald: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again to the Premier:
given that McCauley school in downtown Edmonton is proposed for
closure, how will that community and the students that live in that
community be better served if that public school is closed forever?
Mr. Hancock: Well, Mr. Speaker, in the last series of questions I
was answering why it’s so necessary to have local boards to deal
with the issues of local communities, and now I’m being asked about
doing the local board’s job. It is the school boards’ job to make sure
that the facilities that they have in place and the teachers that they
have in place and the opportunities they have in place make the best
possible educational opportunities for the students that they serve.
Mr. MacDonald: Mr. Speaker, to the Minister of Education this
time. Surely he knows that he calls the shots with the public boards.
If he didn’t, he would give them the right to increase their mill rate
if they saw fit to make a flexible budget for themselves. Now, given
that – and this is a direct quote from Alberta’s 20-year strategic plan
– the plan is “to maintain and improve existing schools to ensure
they can deliver top quality education for Alberta students,” then
why are you forcing Edmonton public to close another 5,000 student
spaces in the central neighborhoods of this city? You’re the political
minister of this city, and you won’t even defend it.
Mr. Hancock: Well, Mr. Speaker, we’re not forcing school boards,
either Edmonton public or any other school boards, to close schools.
We’re not forcing them at all. They have the obligation and the duty
to make sure that they have the best educational opportunity for
students.
When the hon. member quotes the strategic capital plan, surely he
must understand that when we’re talking about renewing and
improving physical space, obviously it’s physical space that has
value because there are students available to use that space. It makes
no sense at all to read that to suggest that we fix and improve
schools where there are no students. (13)
The following is copied from the February 8, 2010 printed transcripts of the Legislative debate and discussion.
Ms Calahasen (Lesser Slave Lake PC): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
“Paternalistic,” “heavyhanded” are words I have heard used to describe
the Minister of Education’s actions in firing the corporate board of the
Northland school division. Many of my constituents have children who attend
schools run by the Northland school board, and they’re worried and
hurt and concerned about the future of their children’s education and
their fundamental right to elect local school board trustees. My
question is to the Minister of Education. Since 95 per cent of
students who attend Northland schools are First Nation and/or Métis
peoples, did you even bother to consult with or speak to First Nation
and Métis leaders before firing a democratically elected board?
The Speaker: The hon. minister.
Mr. Hancock (Edmonton-Whitemud PC): Well, thank you, Mr.
Speaker. Absolutely, I took the opportunity to speak with the grand chiefs
of Treaty 8 and Treaty 6 as well as the president of the Métis Settlements
General Council and the Métis Nation of Alberta. We also contacted the
members of the partnership council, which we’ve set up with First Nations
and Métis in the province. I can tell you that I’ve had a lot of very
positive feedback from right across the north with respect to the
steps that we’ve taken. It’s not about firing the board. The board
are people who were elected and who serve on their local councils
and do good work. It’s about what we need to do for the children.
Ms Calahasen: A majority of the Northland school division is in my
constituency. My constituents understand that change was needed
and that Northland did have challenges, so why did the minister use
a hammer to address the problem rather than using a scalpel when it
was required? When you do this, the people feel disenfranchised by
your actions, and they feel oppressed and silenced. Now that you’re
running the Northland school board from downtown Edmonton,
what’s going to happen to the locally elected school committees?
Mr. Hancock: Mr. Speaker, it should be very clear that we’re not
running Northland from downtown Edmonton. In fact, the superintendent
of schools is still in place, operating out of Peace River as
per normal. The official trustee will be operating out of the
headquarters in Peace River, and the inquiry team will be visiting
each and every one of the 23 communities involved.
The locally elected boards are still there. No one was fired. We
dissolved the corporate board and replaced it with an official trustee.
Northland trustees are elected to their local school boards for each
of the 23 schools, and they are there as elected representatives and
remain there as elected representatives.
The Speaker: The hon. member.
Ms Calahasen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituents are also
very concerned about another item, as all Albertans should be, that
the dismissal of the Northland corporate board is an omen of further
provincial incursions into the jurisdiction of locally elected authorities.
Northland was just an easy first target and a convenient testing
ground. Is this not a sign that you’re going to be getting rid of
locally elected school boards? Who’s next, Mr. Minister?
Mr. Hancock: Well, Mr. Speaker, I want to be perfectly clear. This
question has come up since the start of the Inspiring Education
process. We have absolutely no interest or intent or plan to do away
with school boards. School boards are a necessary connection
between the education system and communities. It’s absolutely
essential that communities and parents be involved in education, and
their connection to the system is through their schools and through
the school boards. So that’s absolutely necessary.
We needed to move in this particular instance to protect the best
interests of the children, to make sure that we could make the change
that was necessary, not on a slow or incremental basis but immediately. (12)
The following is copied from the February 8, 2010 printed transcripts of the Legislative debate and discussion.
Mrs. Sarich (Edmonton-Decore PC): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I
am honoured to rise today to acknowledge and celebrate the 10th
anniversary of the Alberta initiative for school improvement, or AISI.
Formed in 1999 by the government and several education partners, the
mandate of AISI was to encourage awareness and involvement in continuous
improvement for teaching and learning. Alberta teachers have always looked
for ways to improve student learning, but AISI formalized a process so
students across the province could benefit from the successes that
were happening locally. It’s the grassroots focus that has really
driven and built momentum in AISI. The projects Alberta schools
are involved in are playing a pivotal role in developing new best
practices that will be relevant to students today and into the future.
Over the years AISI has encouraged those serving in the education
sector to ask thoughtful questions and explore new learning
approaches and methods to ensure our students have the best
possible learning opportunities. Mr. Speaker, it’s an influential
program that is strengthening the foundation of innovation, which is
the heart of our province’s education system. To date AISI has
inspired over 1,700 projects, that have been filled with innovation,
creativity, and a true desire to improve student learning and
teaching.
Teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and
students have gathered in Edmonton to celebrate AISI’s 10th
anniversary at the annual AISI conference. The conference is
showcasing over 60 creative projects developed by school jurisdictions
across the province. It’s a wonderful forum for education
stakeholders to share ideas, learn from one another, and be inspired
to achieve even more for students in Alberta.
I’d like to personally thank all of those involved in the AISI
projects for their passion and contributions to the students of our
great province. Congratulations for a very successful 10 years of
AISI. This is an important milestone, one which all Albertans
should be extremely proud of.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (7)
The following is copied from the February 8, 2010 printed transcripts of the Legislative debate and discussion.
Mr. Jacobs (Cardston-Taber-Warner PC): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It is an honour and privilege to rise today and recognize a group of
extraordinary students in my constituency. Inside and outside the
classroom the students of Raymond junior and senior high schools
demonstrate what creativity, dedication, and hard work can accomplish.
On November 21, 2009, the Raymond Comets defeated the Bev Facey
Falcons 19-2 to win their second consecutive tier 1 football championship;
2009 was also an incredible year for Raymond Comets basketball, with both
the girls’ and boys’ teams winning the provincial 4A championships
in Red Deer. In rugby coach Dan Bickman led the Comets to
victory over the LCI Clippers to win the tier 1 high school girls
rugby championships. In calf roping Clay Barnson was a provincial
high school champion in 2008-2009.
These students also demonstrated that they are just as determined
to win inside the classroom as they are on the field or basketball
court. They exceeded the provincial average for those eligible to
receive Rutherford academic scholarships and the participation rate
of students writing four or more diploma exams. They can also be
proud of their outstanding fine arts program, including show choir
and band.
Mr. Speaker, these exceptional students and their teachers give me
great faith in the future of our province. I would ask all members of
this Assembly to join me in congratulating them for their accomplishments,
and best wishes for future success.
Thank you. (7)
On February 2nd, Andrew C. L. Sims, Q.C., awarded Alberta’s teachers a 5.99% raise. His full decision can be read here.
February 2, 2010
The Honourable Dave Hancock, Q.C.
Minister of Education
224 Legislature Building
10800 – 97 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2B6
Dear Minister Hancock:
Over the past few years we have accomplished a great deal. Much of what was committed to in the Premier’s mandate letters has been delivered and has become part of the core business of government. It is now time to move forward with focused action that further supports our return to prosperity and creates a strong foundation for continued economic strength. With your help, and that of all Albertans, we can realize an Alberta with:
- The strongest financial position of all provinces.
- The most innovative and competitive economy in North America.
- The best performing public health care system in Canada.
- The most advanced infrastructure in North America.
These are challenging times as Alberta emerges from the most significant global economic crisis in over half a century. Our government must continue to be adaptable and resilient in response to changing conditions. I believe Alberta’s future is bright. The thoughtful choices we have made and the significant actions we have taken ensure that our best days are yet to come.
In addition to the mandate initiatives, it will be equally important that you work closely with your ministry’s partners and stakeholders in developing and delivering on the strategic priorities and core businesses in you Ministry Business Plan. In today’s environment, delivering the right programs in the right way is more important than ever and, along with a growing economy, this will see us “back in the black” in three years.
To achieve our goals, our priorities for the coming year remain:
- Resourceful. Responsible – Ensure that Alberta’s energy resources are developed in an environmentally sustainable way.
- A Healthy Approach – Increase access to quality health care and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health care service delivery.
- Strong Communities – Promote strong and vibrant communities and reduce crime so Albertans feel safe.
- Creating Opportunity – Enhance value-added activity, increase innovation, and build a skilled workforce to improve the long-run competitiveness and sustainability of Alberta’s economy.
- Building Tomorrow – Provide the roads, schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing economy and population.
Cooperation and coordination among ministries is essential as we focus on achieving our goals, as is getting the highest value from the resources provided to your ministry. Your role will be key in supporting these efforts.
To promote strong and vibrant communities and reduce crime so Albertans feel safe, you will:
Lead the following initiative:
- Continue to develop a long-term vision for education that ensures students have the knowledge, skills and abilities to be successful in the 21st century.
And work with ministry partners to:
- Continue to implement the Safe Communities initiative.
Under this initiative your role is to:
- Continue to improve broad-based supports and early intervention initiatives for at-risk children to improve their learning outcomes.
I consider this letter and your agreement to work on these priorities and initiatives, in addition to the core businesses in your ministry business plan, to be a contract between us. Your contributions and our commitment as a government, combined with Albertans’ spirit to achieve, will help us create an even stronger Alberta.
Sincerely yours,
Ed Stelmach
Premier
(You can download the original letter here)
The following is copied from the 2010 Speech from the Throne.
[…]
Energy conservation and renewable sources of energy will become popular economic choices for consumers in the 21st century. Our province has what it takes to succeed in this economic environment — the freedom to create and the spirit to achieve.
These qualities were illustrated recently when 110 Albertans participated in the Solar Decathlon, an international competition hosted by the US Department of Energy, in which 20 selected teams of university and college students from around the globe competed to design, build and operate the most attractive, practical and energy efficient solar-powered home.
Team Alberta’s home reflected not only the natural landscape of our province, but also our values — innovation, excellence in education and the willingness to meet the energy challenges our world faces head-on. Team Alberta placed sixth against the best in the world, an outstanding achievement for its first time in this competition.
[…]
The following is copied from the 2010 Speech from the Throne.
[…]
The global economy is undergoing profound changes, with significant impacts on the lives of Albertans. Our people are naturally entrepreneurial, and government has supported their drive to succeed with training, information, services and counselling, but we can do better.
Albertans know that a good education is an essential foundation to prepare for the future, and that our thinking in this area must constantly evolve. In the coming months, we will launch a new vision for education, making the improvements needed to ensure that learning in Alberta is flexible and ready to meet the needs of the next generation.
[…]
The following is copied from the 2010 Speech from the Throne.
[…]
Most of the money we saved went into the Sustainability Fund — $17 billion in cash reserves which could be called upon quickly if the province experienced a sudden drop in income. These dollars are now at work protecting municipalities, social programs, educational institutions and the health care system from the kind of cuts seen in other places.
The Sustainability Fund enables Alberta to keep investing in the public infrastructure we know we will need for tomorrow, at a time when we can take advantage of lower costs. We will continue to strengthen the province’s transportation, health care and education infrastructure in all regions of the province.
[…]
Alberta’s fiscal strength has allowed the government to keep taxes low and maintain support for health and education. As we work to be back in the black in three years, Albertans will continue to enjoy the highest incomes, the lowest taxes and the most advanced public infrastructure in Canada.
The Sustainability Fund is a great backstop in difficult times, just as this government planned, but we can’t rely on it alone to carry us through. Government must live within its means. We must and will carefully manage spending, with a focus on key priorities such as health, education and supports for vulnerable Albertans.
[…]
Click here to download your own copy.
