Dinn Demands Safe Transportation Solutions for All Children 

St. John’s, NL (July 15, 2025) – Paul Dinn, PC Shadow Minister for Education and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, is unwavering in his commitment to ensuring the safe transportation of young students is accessible to all parents. A recent Town Hall hosted by Dinn, alongside a parent letter campaign, has illuminated a straightforward solution to this recurring issue.

“This is not a new problem. We raised this issue last year, and while some modifications were made, parents now find themselves facing the same stress and anxiety once again. It is simply absurd,” stated Dinn. “Basic adjustments to the policy would not only benefit our children but also support working parents who are struggling to manage their schedules.”

Each year, the Liberals leave parents scrambling for alternative transportation options. Students are not permitted to be picked up and dropped off at local childcare centers, despite these centers being along established bus routes with several students attending. As a result, many parents were forced to alter their work schedules, reduce their hours, or even consider leaving their jobs entirely.

“A very simple solution has been proposed,” Dinn explained. “When registering children for the upcoming school year, in addition to a civic address, parents should also provide the address of the childcare center where their child will be picked up and dropped off daily. Bus routes could easily be established at these centers or nearby.”

However, correspondence from Bernard Davis, Minister of Education, has only added to the frustration. He stated, “Current routing guidelines are based on a student’s civic address and do not include alternate locations such as childcare centers, as this falls outside the scope of the Schools Act, 1997 and is not within the department’s legislative authority.”

Section 117 b) iii) of the Schools Act, 1997 provides authority to the Minister to issue policy directives regarding the transportation of students to and from school. 

“This is simply unacceptable,” Dinn asserted. “A basic review of the Act shows that the Minister of Education has the authority to make necessary policy changes, yet he chooses to ignore practical solutions proposed by parents. Policy should never override common sense, especially when it comes to the safety and well-being of our children. It’s time for the government to take responsibility and act in the best interest of Newfoundland and Labrador's families.”