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December 18, 1997
(Executive Council)


Senate approves Term 17 on education reform

The way has been cleared for full and meaningful education reform in Newfoundland and Labrador following Senate approval in Ottawa today.

Premier Brian Tobin says he is pleased the Senate has acted in a responsible manner and honoured the wishes of the majority of the people of this province.

The Premier singled out Senator Bill Rompkey for the leadership role he played in getting the new Term through the Senate today by a margin of 19 votes. There were 45 yes votes, 26 no votes and one abstention.

Government will proceed immediately in seeking permission tomorrow for third and final reading in the Legislature to "Bill 41" creating a new Schools' Act for Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We must put the new act in place in order to facilitate changes necessary to establish a new single school system for September 1998," said Premier Tobin. The first piece of business flowing from the new act will be the school board elections on February 17, 1998. For the first time in Newfoundland's history the elections will be held along non-denominational lines.

"The confusion and uncertainty about the structure of education can finally be laid to rest and we can get on with developing a new education system that treats all of our children equally. "I want to express my sincere gratitude to the numerous individuals and groups who have played a role in bringing this long and difficult process to a successful conclusion," said the Premier.

Contact: Heidi Bonnell, (709) 729-3564.

1997 12 18 5:45 p.m.

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