UCP MUST QUIT STALLING, GET FEDERAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL MONEY OUT THE DOOR THROUGH PER-PUPIL GRANT

EDMONTON - Alberta’s NDP Official Opposition is calling on Education Minister Adriana LaGrange to quit delaying the distribution of federal money to school boards and distribute it immediately through the per-pupil grant.  

LaGrange’s office stated they would be meeting with some stakeholders on Wednesday - a full week after the federal funding was announced - to discuss how the money would be spent. 

“Minister LaGrange needs to quit stalling,” said Sarah Hoffman, NDP Education Critic. “We still don’t have any details on how the money will be spent and they are only starting to talk about it a week after the money was announced. The quickest and easiest way to get this money out the door is to simply apply it to the per-pupil grant and get out of the way of school districts.”

Last Wednesday, the federal government announced $2-billion in new funding for school re-entry, including $262 million for Alberta. The Ontario government released a detailed plan for its share of the funding the same day, including additional teaching and custodial staff, PPE, physical distancing on school buses, support for mental health and students with complex needs, additional public health nurses and resources for remote learning.

“Adriana LaGrange had five months to prepare for school re-opening, and failed to provide the necessary resources for a safe return to schools,” said Hoffman. “Many kids are headed back to class in overcrowded and underfunded classrooms this week. They can’t afford any more inaction from the UCP.”