As Alberta’s NDP government touts education cuts they reversed, another election promise made by the party won’t come to fruition anytime soon: reducing school fees.
Education Minister David Eggen was at St. Catherine School Tuesday, promoting a reversal in education cuts that had been announced by the previous provincial government.
Officials at the school said the reversal has helped.
“We’ve been able to hire three and a half more teachers, just at this school alone, so that we can really make a difference for these students that need all of this extra help,” teacher Joan Woodlock said.
However, parents won’t be getting as much of a break this school year, as a cut to school fees isn’t planned.
“It will just be a question of time and when you’re in politics you deal with money, and you deal with time, and so we seem to be short of both of those things at the moment,” Eggen said.
On the campaign trail, the NDP promised to reduce school fees by half.
“I want to do the responsible thing, we must do the responsible thing with regards to school fees,” Eggen said. “That is to have a plan that is sustainable.”
Back in April, Premier Rachel Notley said a plan for the reduction had been set – saying the party had a plan.
“I really support the new government’s intention of reducing or possibly eliminated school fees, but, having said that, the money then has to come from somewhere,” Debbie Engel with Edmonton Catholic Schools said.
Engel admits it’s not a simple issue, but it is one she hears about from parents – saying they’re very concerned.
Eggen said the government is moving towards the goal of reducing fees, but the change will take time – blaming a lack of regulation around them. He said there’s a difference between what’s being charged and who is charging it.
The Minister said he’s asked school boards to itemize their fees, and to report back later in the year.
With files from Susan Amerongen
