Paul Dinn, Progressive Conservative Shadow Minister of Education and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, is voicing concerns over the Furey Liberal government's recent request for feedback on proposed changes to the program of studies for students in grades 7 to 9.

“I have heard from many educators who strongly disagree with this approach,” said Dinn. “They are deeply concerned that important subject areas such as Social Studies, Religious Education, Core French, Music, Visual Arts, Home Economics, and additional Technology Education will be reduced or relegated to modular courses. This is in direct contradiction to numerous reports and studies produced over the years.”

Dinn referenced several reports that highlight the complex nature of student absenteeism and engagement. The Children and Youth Advocate’s 2019 report, Chronic Absenteeism: When Children Disappear, identifies multiple factors influencing school attendance. The Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes (2017) similarly noted that absenteeism and student engagement are influenced by a range of issues. Additionally, the recent Education Accord acknowledges that absenteeism is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors.

“These reports have been sitting on shelves, and now, instead of taking meaningful action, we are seeing a knee-jerk reaction that appears more about optics than effective policy,” added Dinn. “The Education Accord emphasizes the need for a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable education system—one that nurtures cognitive, emotional, and social development in young learners. However, the proposed changes seem to undermine these very principles.”

Dinn also pointed out the inconsistency in the government’s messaging, noting that just recently, during the Year of the Arts, the Premier praised the importance of arts and cultural traditions. “We were told to protect our traditions, celebrate them, and pass them on to future generations,” noted Dinn. “Yet, reducing subject areas like Social Studies, Art, and Music runs counter to this message and does nothing to support the overall development of our children.”

He further emphasized that the most pressing issues in schools—such as overcrowded classrooms and insufficient resources—remain unaddressed. “If we truly want to improve student outcomes, perhaps it’s time to focus on these long-standing concerns instead of making arbitrary cuts to essential subjects,” Dinn concluded.

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