Letters sent to The Premier, Minister of Education, MLA's and Quesnel School District Trustees...
29 July 2002
Ms. Christy Clark,
Minister of Education,
Government of B.C.
Dear Ms. Clark:
Re: Closure of Wells-Barkerville Elementary School
The announced closure of the Wells-Barkerville Elementary School is ill-conceived, unnecessary and sends a clear message to the young people in B.C.'s rural communities that they are not valued members of our society.
Under the guise of fiscal restraint, children, in some cases only five year's old, are being required to be bused 80 kilometers each way to Quesnel in order to receive their schooling. This not only deprives them of valuable time that could be better spent with friends and family and in participating in extra-curricular activities such as sports or music, but subjects them to hazardous winter road conditions.
The strength of this province lies in healthy communities. Many studies indicate that poverty and education are key social determinants of health and the reliance on social services. We have to nurture children and value our investment in their future.
Although the elimination of elementary schools may serve a narrow short term political agenda, as the Minister of Education, you have the responsibility to ensure that we do not abandon the children of this province. The dramatic actions being taken by the hunger strikers casts serious doubt the erosion of democracy and the ability of citizens' concerns to be heard and meaningfully considered.
On behalf of the 46,000 members of the Hospital Employees' Union, I urge you to exert your considerable influence to have this intolerable decision rectified.
Yours truly,
Fred Muzin
President
Hospital Employees' Union
cc. Premier Campbell
John Wilson, MLA
