Board may take school fight to court WAYNE THIBODEAU The Guardian
The province could be looking at a challenge under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms over its decision to build a new French school along the Island’s north shore without a community and cultural centre, says the chairman of the French Language School Board.
Robert Maddix and a group of supporters took their concerns to Premier Robert Ghiz Monday.
The group met with the premier for more than 45 minutes on the issue.
But the premier wasn’t swayed by the French Language School Board’s lobby.
He said there will be no community and cultural centre in the new school.
That disappoints Maddix, who said the school board hasn’t ruled out challenging the provincial government’s decision in the Supreme Court.
“To maintain the French language there has to be some support on the community side,”?Maddix told The Guardian.
“It’s not fair to the Rustico area to ask for less.”
The province has budgeted $2.6 million for a new school, Ecole St.-Augustin in Rustico, which houses about 60 children. The French Language School Board maintains that much — if not all — of the costs for the community and cultural centre would be picked up by the federal government.
But the province needs to apply for the cash — not the school board.
Ghiz said the province plans to build the new school, complete with room for kindergarten and early childhood education, as well as a gymnasium and stage.
He said it’s the provincial government’s opinion that a new school with these components will meet the Charter obligations for a school and cultural centre.
“Under the Charter, our French communities in Prince Edward Island are entitled to a school where it’s warranted,”?Ghiz said following the meeting.
“We feel the school is a community centre. We feel building the school with the components of early childhood education, a gymnasium, that essentially that does entail a community centre.”
Plans for the new school appear to be dividing North Shore communities.
Francis Gallant of the Cymbria Lions Club said he’s worried about the impact a new school and cultural centre will have on his club. The Lions Club has been housing Ecole St.-Augustin since 2000 and receives $90,000 annually in rent.
But Gallant said he’s more worried about the impact another cultural centre will have on his club than losing the rent money.
The Lions Club sent out a survey to residents last week.
More than 85 per cent of the 100 who responded said they want the school to stay at the Lions Club, he said.
“It’s not just the rent that we’re concerned about,” Gallant said.
“It’s how tough it’s going to be to continue to provide the services we now provide to the community, especially if they get this community centre. This isn’t Summerside. This isn’t Charlottetown. There are 500 families in our Lions Club area.”
A landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision in 2000, which centered on an Island woman, paved the way for French language education in local communities. Noella Arsenault-Cameron and Madeleine Costa-Petitpas successfully challenged the province’s decision to not build a French school in Summerside.
Since then, French schools have been sprouting across the Island, including a new French school and cultural centre in Summerside and West Prince.
Maddix said Rustico deserves the same. He’s at a loss to explain why the province is not prepared to build the cultural centre, but he wonders if a proposal to close 11 English language schools in eastern P.E.I. may be part of the reason.
“The gym is not adequate where we’re at. Washroom facilities are not adequate. There is not enough classrooms.”
As for divisions in the community, that’s the last thing the French Language School Board wants, added Maddix.
“We had some resistance in West Prince.?We had some resistance in Summerside. But once the project was there, all the communities realized it was a bonus for the communities.”
The Guardian is committed to encouraging intelligent discourse among our readers and to creating a forum where diverse views and opinions on a wide range of topics can be aired. The forum you are in now is a result of our continuing efforts to facilitate a dynamic online conversation among our readers.
This is a moderated conversation. Once a reader follows the steps to register and submit his or her comment it goes to a moderator for the website. Once it has been approved, your comment will be displayed on the website. A comment may be edited or deleted for reasons of content or language.
All readers wishing to join a conversation must first sign in and agree to the Terms of Usage, which explain the rules of acceptable content.
Taxpayer from Charlottetown, PEI writes: I hope they do go to court. Maybe then we can get clarification of just when we have to fund a French School. Fifty kids in Rustico get a new school and we're closing English schools with many more. Why can't it be a wing on an existing school, it could be soundproofed so the little French Kids wouldn't hear any of that English talk. So I say lets go to court.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
nit picker from rustico, pe writes: All the best to the french school board. as far as the Cymria Lion's survey goes ,if they say they care for 500 families and only 100 responded back and only 85 of those are with them on this issue it would seem like they have very marginal support.where this survey is concerned they posted it on their web site and left an option for respondents to send it back annonomously,thrfore open to the world at large.Hopefully nobody pays too much attention to such inconclusive and unscientific data reported by the club.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
down easterner from montague, pe writes: way to go ghiz.put a school where they don't want one and take away school's where they are wanted.only on pei.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
easterner from pei writes: Guess they'll just use that 1.1 million they're going to save shutting down small schools to get what they want..mark my words....these people will get what they want...sickening
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Ridiculous ! from Ch'town, PEI writes: The Charter should be revamped! It is refreshing to know that Mr. Maddix and his Supporters have not one iota of concern for collective Islanders during an economic crisis! Their only concern lies with providing fifty students with a new school under the pretense it is their cultural right!
Division in the Community is the last thing the French Language School Board wants , added Maddix. Well their demand and threats to go to court to secure the same doesn't sound like cohesive thought processing to me!
Island Students have travelled eighteen miles to attend High Schools and they are some of our brightest and most noted achievers! French Culture has nothing to do with this demand. It has everything to do with we want what all English Speaking Schools are demanding! However, Mr. Maddix is demanding what all all English Schools are trying to reverse!
I suggest that our Premier demands that if this new school is built they continue to pay their $90,000 annually in rent towards the cost of the same instead of putting it on the back of Islanders of ALL CULTURES!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
JD from PE writes: Funny how Ghiz doesn't mind taking money from the Federal Government for everything else. Why not apply for the money for this item?
This just sounds more like Ghiz being stubborn. Now there will be a court challenge and the taxpayers of PEI will have to pay the legal costs to defend Ghiz's stubborn position.
Why not ask and if turned down than say NO Cultural Centre.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Molly from Summerside, PEI writes: It's time the governments stopped spending millions on bilingualism - money that is imperative to healthcare and general education. Learning languages should be free choice, not obligation.
Bilingualism policies and enforcement of same continue to divide our country; it's remarkably ridiculous.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
joe from pei writes: I couldn,t agree more with taxpayer,yes honey,the economy is going down the toilet and I,m not sure I,m going to have a job tomorrow but what the heck,lets go out tomorrow and buy that new house you were looking at.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Rustico Resident from PEI writes: With the building of L’Ecole-Sur-Mer and L’Ecole Pierre-Chiasson the province has already set a precedent on building schools with cultural centres integrated into them. Unfortunately, the Premier and Carolyn Bertram are basing their decision on what will give them the most votes in the next election and not what has been the previous policy of the provincial government.
The French community in Rustico has a legal right to a school with the cultural centre included. There is no financial reason for dismissing the cultural side of the new school as any additional costs from cultural centre would be covered. It is apparent that the Premier and Minister are bowing to the pressure by the Lions Club and their supporters.
The fact of the matter is that the Lions Club is not truly a Community centre in the sense that the buildings in Summerside and Charlottetown are community centres. These centres offer extensive programs and activities for all members of the French community in their areas. The lions club has limited space and facilities that are substandard for a proper community centre (lack of wheelchair access, lack of meeting spaces, lack of classrooms, etc) and often times in the past all other groups have been given priority over the school and French community.
The Lions Club is claiming that they are concerned about the competition that would be provided by a French school cultural centre. In effect they are asking for a monopoly on any community events by asking to have only the school built. This illustrates the contempt the Lions Club has always had for the French community. The Lions club has always been willing to take the French communities money but have continually put up road blocks for any of their activities or projects.
It’s time for the government to grant the school and cultural centre to Rustico to let the French community get out from under the thumb of the Lions club and flourish like the French communities in Charlottetown, Summerside and West Prince has done after their cultural centres were built.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Angry Acadian from PEI writes: In typical fashion we have a group of people who are acting like kids. If we can't get our way we are going to whine and cry about it until someone listens. I would have thought Rene Maddix would have learned something while he was in Government. I guess not and perhaps that's why he isn't there anymore. I am of Acadian decent and although I am proud of my heritage I am not proud of the way certain people in the Acadian community conduct themselves. Should Acadians be given everything they want in the name of preserving their heritage? Not when it is something that has to be underwritten at the expense of inadequate facilities for non- Acadians. In part, the problem lies with the province for including culture centers in other schools. If they got one, we want one , no matter what and we don't care how much it costs. Typical of how children act isn't it. We are supposed to work together as Islanders but you would never know it when this sort of BS goes on. This issue will do nothing more than create a split that divides French and English cultures on P.E.I. Come on Rustico, give your head a shake and tell the Acadian ring leaders to get lost. You have a choice of 2 Acadian culture centers to use, and each one only one half hour East or West in Charlottetown or Summerside. Perhaps it's time we dismantled the French School Board. Another expense we could do without.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Betty from PEI writes: I agree with others who are loudly speaking out these days about closing some school in the eastern section of our Island... What is wrong with this picture??? Closing 11 and now building a new one to accomadate a minority... This is our tax money that is being used here.. Makes NO SENCE... Small children 5 and 6 years of age, traveling on a bus 1-2 hours to get to school... and then back home in the evening...!!! Did this liberal party go on some kind of drugs... speak out loudly to keep the English schools in the eastern area... Fight to Protect and Provide for those young children which Ghiz seems to be overlooking. Rather then spending our tax money on more new schools for minority, Golf courses and other non essentials frills.. including the recent Jack Frost week end.... Lets put this $$$$$ into our Education and Health. With the way the cost of living and loss of wages due to loss of jobs etc. Cutbacks everywhere , Will the Liberal members be accepting their big wage boost in a couple of months... They are NOT doing MORE to deserve it, except severly driving it home to people that We have the POWER.... Like they do not care for others.. Will they all so NO to the new wage increase??? We deserve Better Leadership then what the goverment are giving us....
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Don't believe the Hype from PE writes: This is an absolutley rediculous issue. The court ruled that they have to provide a french school where the population warrants. For this reason, they are building a school to service less children than some of the english ones they are closing. Well, that is court ordered, what can you do.
However, rather than be satified by this, the French School Board is demanding the province build a cultural centre as well. Despite the fact there will be some space for this in the new school. Why is this even a concern of a school board. This is not the French Culture Board. It is the French School Board. They got their school, not they should stop whining. If they want a culture centre, do some fundraising and build it out of that.
Hopefully this is a decision that Ghiz will have the courage to stick to.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Tell it Like it is from Stratford, PEI writes: Here we go again. Another group of petulant citizens creating an almighty fuss because they can't get what they want. Meanwhile the rest of us taxpayers are supposed to swallow hard and suck it up.
This is not about bilingualism, heritage rights, or any other lofty ideological principle. As Bill Clinton once said, It's the economy, stupid.
Where do all these people, i.e. the Rustico rebel rousers and the anglophone, a school in every small community crowd, think the $$ is going to come from? Hello - there's no fairy godmother in the sky. The province is countless millions of dollars in debt, we're in the midst of a recession, and a declining bunch of us taxpayers are expected to cough up $$ to keep undersubscribed small schools open and build a community center into a new school in a community that already has a perfectly good centre.
Are these people living on the same planet as the one I live in? I used to be on a school board in another province so I know what it costs to keep and maintain buildings. Expectations had to be lowered there, schools were closed, because it was the responsible course of action to take. The same applies here.
Premier Ghiz, don't listen to these special interest groups. If a plebiscite were to be held and the bare economic facts placed before the taxpayers island wide, it would be evident that the people creating the most fuss, who are afraid of change, are in the minority.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Summerside from p writes: Close these small petty schools already!!! They only have a handful of kids in them, don't you think they would benifit from a larger school which offers more???? Some of these schools don't even look like a school more like a community center or lions club!!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Disappointed and worried from PEI writes: This may seem as a shock, but Rustico has been asking for a new school-community centre for years, this is not something that has just come up to spite anyone or raise debate. I'm wondering if gov waited till after the 11-school closure announcement to say a definite no just so they would have an excuse to back them up, though as it says in this article, federal government is supposed to pick up the tab for the community side, which would basically just be a few meeting rooms and offices I would think, since the rest of what goes in a community centre is already covered.
And for the Acadian who says they can use the other two centres, have you been in one of them lately? The Carrefour is now almost one hundred percent used by the school and daycare, there is only a small space that can be used for meetings. The Belle-Alliance is booked months ahead of time, by the English community as well as the French, and would you think someone is going to drive all the way to Summerside from Rustico for a meeting or activity?
For those who think 50 doesn't warrant a school, just think of Ecole Francois-Buote where they started with 6 students in a small room downtown and are now over 250 (it was originally built for 150). The school is bursting at the seams.
It breaks my heart when I see the kids in Rustico talk to their grandparents in French and their own parents can't understand, because gov decided way back when that their small French schools should be closed down. They were taught to be ashamed and hide their culture, and I'm afraid that is evidently still the case for many.
One last thing. For those of you who seem to know what you're talking about and think those kids should make do with what they have, have you ever set foot in that school? Didn't think so.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
someonewhoknows from pei writes: Dear Mr. Maddix,
No matter where the money comes from
Federal, Provincial, Heritage Fund it still comes from the taxpayers.
We are tired of paying for things we don't want and/or need.
I have things I would like to have or do but I am encumbered by fiscal reality and have to forego many of them.
I is time the French school board faced up to economic reality and did the same.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Economic Resources from Ch'town, PEI writes: I'd like to know why millions of tax payers dollars can be spent on Schools not needed, Heritage/Culture, Scientific Research on Salmon Spawning and the whims of Educational Boards while not one DIME can be alotted towards ADEQUATE Health Care and a Health Care System that has collapsed long ago! Please tell me!
These wanting individuals inspired by their own narcisstic needs and dreams are getting more than a bit hard to take!
I agree, there is no reasoning behind closing schools that communities want open and building new schools the majority don't want on the whims of a minority! Tax Payers should have a vote on how their dollars will be spent and especially given the enormous expense of these demands!
A new school to accomodate 50 French Speaking children to the tune of a couple of million dollars is an Outrage! The Charter should speak to necessities and sound economic plans for said citizen's demands, not cultural whims.
We're slipping into an economic recession and all Islanders are going to be living through some very tough times. However it appears some members on our Education Boards are oblivious to this fact! They want what they want, regardless of economic or operational fisability and could care less who foots the bill or the hardships Islanders will endure as a result! Thanks for you concern folks. Glad we can count on you to demand more spending when times are tough!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
gonewest from alberta writes: This is craziness. Building a school for 60 kids when other communities are losing theirs with the same student population. I am sick and tired of these french' parents complaining about this issue. Let them take core french and speak french to them at home. If they want to pursue french more then that is what university is for. Wake up people!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
John MacInnis from Charlottetown, PEI writes: Molly from Summerside made the comment that really drags this issue out from under the couch and into some clear light. People who want to learn another language - such as french, german, chinese, swahili - or whatever - should go out and take a course. The last time I checked the numbers, Canada was spending more than $750,000,000 a year to prop up the official bilingualism policy that Trudeau created. But Canada could never be a bilingual nation because of Bill 101, something the Quebec government passed in their National Assembly back in 1977. Why does Quebec call it a national assembly when it's a provincial government ? In places like Montreal, all of the street signs are in french only, but here in Charlottetown we have bilingual street signs. PEI taxpayers paid for that, but Quebec taxpayers will never have to foot the bill for bilingual street signs, or bilingual anything, because in Quebec only french is recognized. It's wayyyyyy past time to pull the plug on this obscene waste of money.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
frank from summerside, pe writes: Some people, Betty for example, don't seem to realize that the Supreme Court of Canada made a ruling that requires the provincial government to build this French school. What isn't clear is if the community centre is part of it. The fact that the Eastern School District is recommending closing 11 schools has nothing to do with the decision to build a new french school. The French School board released an enrollment study and enrollments are increasing in French schools, in some cases, quite dramatically. You can't compare what is going on with the Eastern School Board to what is going on in this case.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
PEISlander from PEI writes: Want a school? Then have the people in the community pay for it.....there is a French school 1/2 hour away....does a 1/2 - 45 min bus ride necessitate millions from taxpayers pockets? Depend on the government to do everything and blame the government when the children cannot speak to their grandparents in French and are ashamed of their culture - according to an earlier poster - Wake up - that is not the fault of the government it is because families are not taking the time to preserve their own culture.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Miles MacGregor from PEI writes: Im sick of the french parents telling us what they need and demanding new schools...do you know they fought hard to get a SWIMMING POOL at the french school in Summerside? Thank goodness someone saw the insanity in that request and ended it.
If they dont want to segregate french from the english then HAVE THEM IN THE SAME EXISTING SCHOOLS!!!!!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
LA from PEI writes: New school? Fine. Separate cultural centre? No way.
In that case Vernon River, Donagh, St Theresas, Tignish etc. should have Irish cultural centres, and there should be Native ones near the reserves, Scotch ones in Belfast, Loyalist ones in Pownal, Channel Islands ones in Murray Harbour, and English ones almost everywhere.
French language rights do not equate with Acadian culture being any more deserving of govt subsidization than anyone else's.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Ryan Gallant from Montréal, Québec writes: I am a bit confused as to why a new school is needed for so few students, and really, as to why this school exists in the first place.
The building where the French school is housed now used to be an elementary school (St. Augustine's) that was closed in 1990 because of the small student population. Students in the area now attend school down the road at Gulf Shore Consolidated (a school that consolidated St. Augustine's, St. Ann's and Stella Maris schools). Student population continues to be reduced at Gulf Shore, as it does in all rural communities across PEI, so I have a hard time understanding why another new school needs to be built when an existing and relatively new school just down the road is completely capable of accommodating the needs of all students in the area.
I studied French at Gulf Shore for 6 years, and despite being of Acadian heritage, I never considered myself to be oppressed or disadvantaged by the system.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Proud to be acadian from Stratford, PEI writes: I totally agree with Dissappointed and Worried. François-Buote started very small and look at it now. I am very proud that my child went to François-Buote from age 4 to graduation. I've often been to the Carrefour where it was rented by the english community. Think of your grand-kids. Give them a chance to be part of their heritage. Rustico, I'm with you all the way.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Ryan Gallant from Montréal, Québec writes: 'Proud to be Acadian': The Carrefour is located in Charlottetown, which has traditionally been a well-populated area. The number of school-age children in the Rustico region (Acadian or otherwise) is in sharp decline, and will continue to decline over the next 10 years.
If you took a look at the numbers I think you would have a hard time defending your comparison between Charlottetown and Rustico.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
LA from PEI writes: proud to be acadian wrote: Think of your grand-kids. Give them a chance to be part of their heritage.
That's all well and good. But as I said before, why are only Acadian children entitled to a dedicated cultural centre and my grandchildren aren't? In fact, soon they won't even be able to go to school in their rural home community, let alone get a local heritage centre plus a school. Don't you see the imbalance here?
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Curious Georgia from pe writes: I'm all for bilingualism but to mak a statement re children not able to speak to their grandparents? Come on. The french language children are taught today is quite different than the Acadian french. In fact, people in Quebec have difficulty understanding the Acadian language and vice versa. So, who is qualified to teach these disadvantaged children and can they rely on their parents who can't speak proper french at all?
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Francophone parent in Rustico for us all! from Rustico, IPE writes: It's the province in the driver's seat here. School boards have authority over management. The goverment is undermining the French language school board's role, mandate and responsability. The province could simply knock on the Federal governement's door. Heaven's knows, it does for other monies. Instead, they did their heels in just because they can. In some circles, there are words for that kind of behaviour. Instead of accessing monies that can be used to DEFRAY Island taxpayers' costs, they are going to foot the entire bill for everything, PLUS legal fees, that would be for both sides because when one loses, they have to come good for the other parties' costs. So ... Islanders, instead of win/win, it's going to be lose/lose/lose. That, my friends is a crying shame. And for what it's worth, I'm 100% with all those anglophone parents who are absolutely right to fight to hold on to their schools! I think Martie Murphy has the case closes. The government has no legal authority to do this. What are they telling the English parents, by the way? That it's the big, bad Eastern School District driving this? And they hide behind it? Tsk, tsk. Do they think we don't talk to each other? They can't have it both ways, now can they. Oh, no, it's not us closing schools, it's a board recommendation. Yet, on the other hand, what they're saying to the French board, is no you can't open a school-community centre - we won't let you. Hummm ..... do we not all see the irony here. Please, let us ALL work together to save our schools and communities. Together we can win! L'union fait la force ! Don't let them divide us along linguistic lines and push our PEI society back generations. We are SOOOO beyond that, though they will try. Rather, power to the people. It's not us and them - English and French; rather it's us and them - the people and the government. English parents, you have a winable court case, too. Go for it! Best of luck!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Skewed Picture from Ch'town, PEI writes: Seems something is wrong with Canada's perception of bilingualism. Trudeau Chartered the bilingual trend.
All Provinces in Canada with the exception of Quebec were forced to accept Bilingualism. All Gov offices would soon be forced to ensure a required number of employees were fluent in French. However, Quebec the Province where French Language was most dominant was not required to use both languages! Hence, English Speaking Canadians were then and are still at a disadvantage!
While the East District makes plans to close schools that citizens want to maintain, Maddix and Supporters have been guaranteed by Gov the Freedom and Right to demand a New School and threaten a law suit to ensure it includes a Cultural Centre! Meantime the wishes of the majority of English Speaking Islanders are being overturned by the minority and have no Freedom of Rights!
This doesn't seem to be equality for all to me! It certainly could be seen as a disadvantage for English Speaking Citizens both economically and acedemically!
I guess the moral is when you don't demand or threaten and try to do what's good for all concerned, you get the short end of the stick!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
dudette-ly DuBetter from PEI writes: Sometimes I think government is right. Too bad people feel they have fight EVERYTHING.
Government is actually doing the right thing here. Let's commend them for it.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
MARY DOE from P.E.I writes: I'M SO SICK AND TIRED OF A HANDFULL OF SO CALL RUSTICO FRENCH ACADIAN BAD MOUTHING THE REST OF OUR COMMUNITY BECAUSE THEY THINK IT'S THERE GOD GIVIEN RIGHT TO HAVE WHATEVER THEY WANT .WERE THESE PEOPLE RAISED ON A BED OF GOLD ? MAYBE THEY SHOULD USE IT TO BUILD THEIR NOT NEEDED SCHOOL AND CULTURAL CENTRE . WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER PEOPLE THAT ARE LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY THAT ARE AGAINST THIS STUPITIDY . WHY IS IT THAT THREE PEOPLE'S OPINIONS CAN CAUSE SUCH DIVERSITY IN A COMMUNITY ? GOVERNMENT PEOPLE --- HAVE YOU SENT OUT A SURVEY TO GET THE OPINION OF THE OTHER COMMUNITY MEMBERS ? BY THE WAY THE LION'S CLUB HAS SENT OUT A THOUSAND SURVEYS NOT A HUNDRED .I FAIL TO SEE WHERE ALL THE STUDENTS WILL COME FROM TO FILL THIS SCHOOL . THE PRESENT SCHOOL WAS GOOD ENOUGH TO HAVE AN ENROLLMENT OF 150 STUDENTS FROM GRADE 1-8 WHEN IT OPENED AND WITH ALL THE RENOVATIONS DONE TO IT IN THE PAST YEARS I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY IT ISN'T COULD ENOUGH FOR THE FEW THAT WILL BE USING IT . GREEN SPACES--- GIVE YOUR HEAD A SHAKE IF YOU THINK THAT THERE'S NOT ENOUGH .LOOK AT THE SCHOOLS ACROSS P.E.I. AND THEN YOU SHOULD BE THANKFUL FOR THE GREEN SPACE THAT YOU PRESENTLY HAVE . THE NEW SCHOOL --PARENTS THAT MAY WANT TO SEND YOUR CHILDREN THERE -DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE PIECE OF LAND WHERE THIS SCHOOL WILL BE BUILT--- IF NOT YOU SHOULD CHECK IT OUT. FOR THE FEW PEOPLE THAT HAVE GIVEN THE LION'S CLUB A BAD NAME YOU SHOULD GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT FIRST . THE CYMBRIA LION'S CLUB IS ONE OF THE BEST ON P.E.I. THEY'VE HELPED AND SUPPORTED AN ENORMOUS NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY AND ACROSS P.E.I. AND BY THE WAY THE PERSON WHO IS SLANDERING THE GALLANTS OF THE COMMUNITY MAYBE YOU SHOULD CHECK YOUR OWN BACKYARD BECAUSE IT WILL COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU IN A WAY THAT WILL REVEAL WHAT ''YOU '' ARE REALLY LIKE AND NOT WHO YOU PORTRAY YOURSELF TO BE .I KNOW THAT SOME OF YOU PARENTS SEE THIS OPPORTUNITY OF A FRENCH SCOOL AS BEING AN IDEAL SITUATION FOR YOUR CHILD BUT THINK ABOUT THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS AS WELL . THANKS -
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
tax payer from stratford, pe writes: I have to agree with francophone parent on this one .Fighting a supreme court ruling that is less than ten years old doesn't seem to be a winnable case.If the province has to pay court fees twice after losing twice in less than a decade .That my friends is the huge waste of taxpayers money!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
NOTE
The management of this site emphasizes that it is in no way liable for persons, physical or legal, who are hosted here. Moreover, the managers of this site may not be held liable for errors and omissions that may slip into the information displayed in these reader comments. Everyone who submits a comment should read, understand and agree to the Terms of Usage for this section.
25
