Friday, May 26, 1995

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA

Friday, May 26, 1995

The House met at 10 a.m.

PRAYERS

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

READING AND RECEIVING PETITIONS

Funding Model--Public Education

Madam Speaker: I have reviewed the petition of the honourable member (Mr. Ashton). It complies with the rules and practices of the House. Is it the will of the House to have the petition read?

An Honourable Member: Yes.

Madam Speaker: The Clerk will read.

Mr. Clerk (William Remnant): The petition of the undersigned citizens of the province of Manitoba humbly sheweth that:

WHEREAS funding for public schools by the provincial government has been cut twice in the past three years; and

WHEREAS provincial funding for the School District of Mystery Lake has dropped by nearly $2 million over the same period, more than 10 percent; and

WHEREAS funding for private schools has increased by over 110 percent under the same provincial government; and

WHEREAS Thompson was faced with a 48 percent increase in the Education Support Levy tax as a result of reassessment in 1993 resulting in $500,000 leaving our community; and

WHEREAS the Thompson School District is also now faced with a massive $1.8-million deficit the equivalent to a 48 percent increase in local school taxes; and

WHEREAS unless the minister reviews this funding the Thompson School District will be forced to consider both a $500,000 tax increase and severe program cuts totalling over $1.3 million.

WHEREFORE your petitioners humbly pray that the Legislative Assembly request the Minister of Education and Training (Mrs. McIntosh) to reconsider the funding model to ensure that Thompson and other communities in this province are able to maintain quality public education.

* (1005)

Introduction of Guests

Madam Speaker: Prior to Oral Questions, we have seated in the public gallery, from Crystal City School, eighteen Grade 6 students under the direction of Mr. Larry Hamilton. This school is situated in the constituency of the honourable member for Turtle Mountain (Mr. Tweed).

Also with us this morning, we have, seated in the public gallery to my right, from St. Alphonsus School, thirty Grade 5 students under the direction of Miss Jean Gilbert. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Elmwood (Mr. Maloway).

On behalf of all honourable members, I welcome you this morning.