CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - School repairs continued to be a popular topic in the P.E.I. Legislature Thursday, with Souris Regional School’s problematic roof coming up in question period.
Opposition MLA Colin LaVie pushed Education Minister Jordan Brown to commit to repairing the recently renovated school’s roof, which he said is leaking.
LaVie poked fun at the minister’s government while making his remarks.
“Your new schools are leaking, your old schools are leaking, your caucus is leaking … why are students and staff forced to go to schools with leaky roofs?” LaVie asked the minister.
Brown reiterated comments he has made twice so far this week, indicating that decisions regarding school repair priorities are the responsibility of the Public Schools Branch.
He did say the branch would undoubtedly examine the problem.
“I had heard there may well be a little bit water up there, and certainly we will have the Public School’s Branch go take a look at that,” said Brown.
On Tuesday, the Opposition questioned the government on the safety of staff and students at Three Oaks Senior High in Summerside while extensive renovations there are ongoing. They were concerned about potential contamination from asbestos, as well as other general safety issues.
Government responded by assuring MLAs and the public that every safety precaution is being taken at the school.
On Wednesday, the Opposition pressed Brown to commit to repairing damaged sections of floor at Mount Stewart Consolidated School, which had been damaged due to water from a leaking roof.
The minister advised his colleagues that the repairs would be considered by the Public Schools Branch. However, it has since been confirmed that a tender to fix the school’s roof and damaged floors will be issued this year.
