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Jones supports literacy coalition fight to restore funding October 4, 2006 |
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Yvonne Jones, MHA for the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, says she
attended the press conference this morning of the literacy coalition and
supports their fight to have funding restored to literacy programs across
this province and country. "The numbers released earlier today by the literacy coalition certainly raises many concerns," said Ms. Jones. "Of the approximately $18 million that was recently cut from literacy funding by the federal government, more than $700,000 in cuts will be taken from this province. With a literacy rate of only 50 per cent in Newfoundland and Labrador, these cuts will certainly have a significant impact on people trying to improve their reading and writing skills. "Instead of making new investments in literacy programs across Canada, the Harper Government decided to scrap these important programs. This once again demonstrates how far removed this government is from the realities of what is important to Canadians. Without educating our people, how will we continue to build a strong province and country? "I am extremely disappointed with the inaction of our federal minister, Loyola Hearn, and St. John’s East MP, Norm Doyle. It is obvious that these individuals are so wrapped up in their government’s western Canadian and foreign affairs agenda, that they too have lost sight of what is important to our province. I cannot understand how they could underestimate the significant impact that $1 billion in cutbacks would have to programs and services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. I also don’t understand how they can support a prime minister who sees no value in literacy money being spent in our province. "It is now time for the provincial government to indicate what they are doing to lead the charge against Ottawa regarding these cuts. The premier stated that these cuts show the difference between Conservatives and Progressive Conservatives. If that is the case, it is time for the premier to put his money where his mouth is and tell the people how his government plans to fill this literacy gap."
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