Minister delighted about recent developments

Minister of Education Judy Foote is pleased that the school boards� association has accepted NAPE�s proposal to submit the outstanding issues in the current labour dispute to non-binding mediation.

Minister Foote said: "I am very pleased that, this afternoon, the negotiator for the school boards association has advised the conciliator and NAPE that boards are willing to submit the three outstanding issues to non-binding mediation, provided members of the bargaining unit return to work immediately and the parties agree on the selection of a mediator.

"I am very concerned about the impact this prolonged may have on the school year for students in the seven school districts affected by this strike. I am pleased that the parties have now taken this initiative and I encourage NAPE and the school boards to give this process every opportunity to succeed. I have no doubt that with their combined efforts, a satisfactory resolution will be found shortly.

"I look forward to members of the bargaining unit returning to work and the school year getting back to normal for students, parents and teachers."

Media contact: Gay Decker, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2001 10 10                                6:10 p.m.