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News
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Butler asks for provincial bridge funding for literacy October 11, 2006 |
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Roland Butler, Opposition Education Critic and MHA for the District of Port
De Grave, is calling on the provincial government to get more involved with
the fight to reverse cuts to literacy programs made by their federal
conservative colleagues and provide bridge funding in the interim so the
work of literacy groups is not disrupted. "Minister Burke has not been vocal in her opposition to these cuts," said Mr. Butler. "As the minister responsible for literacy in this province, she must strongly state her opposition to these cuts and lobby her federal colleagues to reverse this decision." Butler participated in the Walk for Literacy that took place in St. John’s earlier today. He says he was aware of the importance of the work that various literacy groups do around this province and felt it was important to be present to show his support for having these cuts reversed. "I am impressed by the efforts that various individuals are making in learning and I have witnessed the impact it can have on a person’s life. For government to cut funding in this area is almost unthinkable." The Liberal MHA explained that of the approximately $18 million that was recently cut from literacy funding by the federal conservatives, more than $700,000 will come in cuts in this province. He says from talking with people during the Walk for Literacy he got a better understanding of the significant impact on program delivery these cuts will have. "I feel our government should step forward immediately and commit bridge funding to literacy groups in this province until the federal funding is reinstated. Our provincial government has a responsibility to show leadership on this issue, and they should not simply walk away from this issue and say it is someone else’s problem."
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