December 15, 1997
(Education)

The following statement was issued today by Roger Grimes, Minister of Education. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Private Training Institutions

In May 1996, the Newfoundland and Labrador Paralegal Training Institute applied to the Department of Education for registration as a private training institution to deliver a paralegal program. As part of the analysis the department reviewed the curriculum and sought amendments as a result of advise from the Department of Justice.

A similar course is offered in two other private institutions.

Where external standards, occupational or licensing requirements exist, institutions are required to demonstrate that these are met as part of the approval process. The Newfoundland and Labrador Paralegal Training Institute satisfied all requirements.

In addition to approving the curriculum for programs offered in private training institutions, the department also approves the institution, its' facilities and instructors. It is not the role of the department to assess daily delivery of programs. This is the responsibility of the institution. The department does however investigate rigorously any complaints resulting from delivery.

It is in this capacity that officials from the department met with a group of first-year students from the Newfoundland and Labrador Paralegal Training Institute on two occasions to hear and address their concerns. Following separate meetings with the students and the administration of the school, the department today received in writing a letter from the school agreeing to substantive conditions put forward by these students as a basis to resolve this matter. We have communicated through a student representative the information regarding the offer by the school. It should be noted that the majority of students at the school have stated they are satisfied with the instruction they are currently receiving (85 out of 99).

Until such a time as these matters have been addressed to the satisfaction of the 14 disgruntled students, and the department is satisfied that the school is in compliance with all requirements of the Private Training Institutions Act and Regulations, the moratorium on new enrolments will continue. In the meantime, the school will continue to operate to train the students currently enroled. Full operational status will be reinstated when the student concerns have been met and the department is satisfied that any outstanding licencing issues have been resolved.

The department will continue to work with the students involved with the complaint to assist their continued education either in Paralegal Studies or another program of their choosing.