October 29, 1999
(Education)

Avalon Driver Training Institute closing permanently:  Students' programs will not be affected

The Department of Education received a letter today from Albert Coombs advising that he would cease operations permanently at the Avalon Driver Training Institute as of Monday, November 1, 1999, because of financial problems.

"This came as a bit of a surprise since when Mr. Coombs re-opened the institute on October 25, he had informed students that there had been, in fact, no financial problems despite his announcement to the contrary when he originally closed the institute on October 18," said Judy Foote, Minister of Education. "At any rate, our primary concern throughout this whole issue has been the protection of the students and arrangements have been made so that students of the Avalon Driver Training Institute can continue their training without further interruption. Officials of the Department of Education will be meeting with students today to advise them of plans that have been made."

Officials at the Department of Education had initiated an investigation into the financial viability of the institute prior to receiving Mr. Coombs letter this morning. The department was not in a position to prevent the re-opening of the institute: According to the Private Training Institutions Act, operations must have ceased for 10 days before the department can cancel a licence to operate a private training institution.

The act also calls for the posting of a bond by operators of private training institutions to protect the interests of students should the school cease to operate.

"Mr. Coombs' licence to operate a private training institution will be cancelled and we will be calling the Avalon Driver Training Institute's bond to cover the costs involved with facilitating the completion of the students' programs," said Ms. Foote. "The events that have occurred are unfortunate, however, I am pleased that we have been able to respond quickly to see that the students' interests are protected."

Media contact: Nancy Healey, Director of Communications, (709) 729-0048.

1999 10 29                                     4:10 p.m.