May 29, 1998
(Education)

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

Interim agreement on church owned school property

I am pleased to inform the House today that work can proceed immediately on school construction projects in districts 4 and 9 as a result of an interim agreement announced late yesterday by the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation. I am referring specifically to Dunne Memorial Academy, Dunne Primary, and St. Anne's School, in district 9 and St. Joseph's High School in district 4.

As a result of this agreement, work will begin soon and parents and children in those two districts can be assured that the necessary projects will be completed in time for the 1998-99 school year beginning in September.

I want to congratulate both groups on the interim agreement for districts 4 and 9 and for realizing the importance of getting on with those projects now since time is of the essence for the next school year. Obviously, they have placed a high priority on the children and their education.

Both the RC Episcopal Corporation and the Newfoundland and Labrador School Board Association have agreed to submit outstanding differences over other properties to a mediation process as soon as possible.

In conclusion, I want to wish the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation and the NLSBA continued success in their negotiations as it relates to all other school properties.

1998 05 29                  9:35 p.m.