Mr. Kang, in response to the Speech from the Throne, questions the government’s vision for education
The following is copied from the February 16, 2010 printed transcripts of the Legislative debate and discussion.
Mr. Kang (Calgary-McCall Lib): … The [Speech from the Throne] talks
about a new vision for education, but the only thing Albertans know about
this administration’s vision for education is that you keep saying you have
a vision for education. Why not provide Albertans with something more
concrete? Why haven’t you reported back on the Inspiring Education
dialogue? Why did you pull the new School Act from the agenda for this
spring sitting? Is it because you’re starting to realize that your vision for
education isn’t the same as the vision shared by most Albertans?
[Remarks in Punjabi] I don’t see a vision for education from this
administration, just another collection of wrong decisions. It was
wrong to violate the contract with teachers and then fight and lose
the case in court. The Minister of Education’s response to the
ongoing teachers’ wage issue has been less than inspiring. He was
obviously completely unprepared for a verdict that favoured the
teachers. [As submitted]
It was wrong to claw back $80 million from Alberta’s public
school boards. Can Alberta’s students and parents expect even
greater cuts? It is wrong to cut education funding, our primary
investment in our future. By all means look for efficiencies, but
ensure stable, dependable funding for this vital public program. It
is wrong to fire the school board without exhausting all avenues of
understanding and board support. It is wrong that we have an
administration whose only response to social challenges faced by
aboriginal communities is to fire their local school board.
A short, simple message repeated by many Calgarians has made
its way to our offices. “Alberta’s continued prosperity will depend
on the knowledge and skills of its future citizens. In these times
more than ever it is important to continue to invest in our children’s
education.” … (127)
