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Wildrose Shadow Minister Makes Tour Stop In Lethbridge

Oct 5, 2016 | 5:35 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Wildrose Shadow Education Minister Mark Smith made a stop at Lethbridge School District 51 Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 5) as part of his “Conversations in Education” consultation tour across southern Alberta.

Smith said that over the course of his tour he has heard several opinions from educators and parents.

“Rural districts are having to make hard choices with keeping schools open or busing kids. The carbon tax is going to have an impact on everything. We have a high number of kids with English is a second language and a high number of kids with higher needs who need money.”

Smith is visiting school boards, speaking to high school classes and holding forums with parents seeking feedback.

The Shadow Minister did congratulate the current government’s successes in certain areas.

“Whether it is the French immersion programs and the First Nations Metis Inuit students seeing higher graduation rates, we do see some school districts having success in raising accountability pillars and growing as safer schools.”

Albertans can provide feedback on a number of topics on a Wildrose caucus form

Smith will make tour stop in Okotoks and High River on Thursday (Oct. 6).