(September 7, 2021) – Barry Petten, PC MHA for Conception Bay South and Shadow Minister for Education, is expressing concern and sadness that another school year is about to begin while the Liberal Government has not taken any action to enhance the bus service for students.

“When school reopens tomorrow, thousands of students will be walking along busy and narrow roads, many of which do not have a sidewalk. Some students will walk along provincial highways. I cannot think of a scarier situation for students and parents,” said Petten.

Petten noted that parents continue to push for greater access to busing within 1.6km from their school, yet the Liberal Government has refused to address it. Yet the Liberal government found almost $10 million to order not-yet-delivered air purification systems.

“While I appreciate improvements in air quality in our schools, I urge the Liberal Government to also find the money and resources to improve busing for students. No student should have to risk their safety to walk to school,” said Petten.

Even more surprising to Petten is that the Minister himself isn’t defending the 1.6km busing policy.

“The Minister isn’t defending this outdated government policy. Instead, he is having the CEO do so, and for good reason – it’s indefensible,” said Petten.

Petten, on behalf of the entire PC Caucus, wished everyone a safe and successful school year and wishes to remind motorists to slow down and watch for excited children.

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) (709) 725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca