Charlottetown

The Liberal Party today unveiled its education platform, outlining a number of measures to enhance student learning from early childhood through to post-secondary studies and life-long learning.

“I have spent most of my life directly connected to the field of education as a student, a professor, a dean and ultimately as the president of our province’s fine university,” said Premier Wade MacLauchlan. “Over the years I feel that I have learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t, about the strengths of our educational system, and the areas that require improvement.”

The Liberal Party is committed to meeting the educational and workforce challenges of the 21st century. We must continue to grow the post-secondary credentials of Islanders and to properly position our students for a 21st century workforce.

Premier MacLauchlan announced increased support for pre-school children. A Liberal Government will provide an additional $60,000 a year to CHANCES to support literacy programs for families. This is in addition to the continued $1.2 million in annual support to provide programs and supports for children from birth to 36 months.

“The introduction of kindergarten into the school system and investments in early childhood programs will put Island children on a successful path of lifelong learning,” said the Premier.

A Liberal Government will invest in new capital improvements for schools and infrastructure.

Premier MacLauchlan stated a Liberal Government will continue its five-year, $8 million capital program to enhance classroom technology. This includes the purchase of 7,000 new computers by 2016-17 and Wi-Fi in all Island schools by 2016.

Capital investments in Island schools will also move forward, including a $15 million investment over three years at Three Oaks Senior High, and the completion of the capital project at Ecole Francois Buote.