Huron-Bruce MPP urges Ontario government not to make another "mistake" with school closures

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson questioned Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne, Monday morning, on the province's 2015 accommodation review which has led to school closures across the province.
 
"There is a troubling pattern with this government ignoring community autonomy," said Thompson. "The 2009 Green Energy Act stripped away local authority, too, and we all know how that impacted rural Ontario.
 
"Now the government is choosing to make another 'mistake' that will continue to generate negative impacts in our communities."
 
The prospect of school closures has led to significant concerns due to the investment and growth that schools bring to rural communities, Thompson said. Another concern, unique to rural areas, is the increased distance that children will have to travel by school bus.
 
"It is important to note that there could be an influx of students when the Bruce Power refurbishment project brings 2,700 jobs to the area," said Thompson. "This has led to parents voicing their concerns as to why the review is not taking into account the expected future enrollment in local Bruce County communities, such as Paisley and Chesley."

In response to Thompson, education minister Mitzie Hunter tried to deflect the question by comparing the school closures to those in Scarborough, but her answer did not address the unique challenges that rural students will face. 
 
"It is unacceptable to ignore local concerns by pushing through these school closures," said Thompson. "The government should enact a moratorium on these school closures immediately, and fix the arbitrary guidelines that removed the value of community voices."

To view Thompson's question, click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWFqISbhzOw&t=13s