Conservatives call on Smith to save rural schools

Progressive Conservative
News Release

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Queen's Park - Local MPP Monique Smith (Nipissing) has the opportunity to vote in favour of a PC motion tomorrow that calls on the McGuinty Liberals to suspend the closing of rural schools across Ontario.

In Nipissing, 13 schools are undergoing a review for that might slate them for possible closure (see attached). Across Ontario, there are over 300 schools undergoing this review, with at least 50 schools already slated for closure this year.

Last week, Opposition Leader Bob Runciman (Leeds-Grenville) called on the McGuinty Liberals to impose a moratorium on rural school closures until the government completes a review of the provincial funding formula as well as develop an alternate use strategy for the schools within the community.

"There are 44 Liberal ridings in which rural schools are at risk of closure," said Runciman, who will be moving tomorrow's motion. "The McGuinty Liberals have an option: they can stand up and be counted as representing their constituents, or they can shirk their responsibilities as an MPP and shrink into their lofty chairs at Queen's Park while schools in their ridings are shut down by their own Party."

"Our party is committed to keeping these schools open because strong rural schools mean strong communities," said PC Education Critic Joyce Savoline (Burlington). "It is now in the hands of Smith to prove she is just as committed as we are to keeping Ontario's rural schools open and thriving."

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