St. John’s, N.L. (December 6, 2024) – Paul Dinn, Progressive Conservative Shadow Minister for Education and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, says he has been inundated with inquiries from residents seeking updates on the proposed high school for Paradise, while the Liberal government’s communication on the matter remains sporadic and insufficient. Many residents were left disappointed by last year’s budget, which allocated only $50,000 for the project—a gesture Dinn describes as inadequate and symbolic at best.

“It’s becoming clear that the allocation in the budget was little more than ‘hush money’ aimed at appeasing residents,” said Dinn. “Members of the Paradise Needs a High School Committee and others are now being told that the government has hit a snag with the Town of Paradise in securing land for the school. This is unacceptable.”

Dinn, who served as Deputy Mayor of the Town of Paradise in 2013, has been a long-time advocate for a high school in the community. He noted that under the previous PC government, an intermediate and high school were announced for Paradise in 2015. However, the Liberal government, after taking office in November 2015, deferred the high school indefinitely.

“This Liberal government isn’t being upfront about the situation,” continued Dinn. “From my experience, the Town of Paradise doesn’t have much land available, and what is available isn’t ideal for a school. However, at least one land developer has identified suitable locations and has tried to engage with the town and provincial government, but no progress has been made.”

Dinn criticized the Liberal government’s poor track record on land acquisition and school projects, citing delays with the Paradise high school and other schools like those in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s and Kenmount Terrace, where the RFP process is already two months behind. He also highlighted past issues, such as the Paradise Intermediate School opening with significant deficiencies, including a non-functioning sprinkler system.

“There’s little progress being made on these projects, and I doubt these schools will be fully completed on schedule,” added Dinn. “Our parents and children deserve better than hearing about schools being ‘substantially’ complete. They need fully finished, safe, and functional learning environments.”

“Residents deserve clarity on when these schools will be completed. We can’t have children in schools that are not properly equipped or safe. The people of Paradise—and all of Newfoundland and Labrador—deserve better from this government.”

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