CSBA
President appears before Standing Committee on Financing
SASKATOON - Gary
Shaddock, President of the Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA) urged
the federal government to increase funding allocation for issues of
interest to the education sector in his appearance before the Standing
House of Commons Committee on Finance this morning.
"The
government needs to recognize that children and youth are a high
priority," said Mr. Shaddock. "Canada cannot be a player in the
global economy without ensuring that every child and youth gets the right
start in life and has the chance to realize his or her full
potential."
Mr.
Shaddock's presentation covered a broad range of topics, with emphasis on
the reduction of child poverty, a reduction of the gap in life chances
between First Nations and non First Nations children, the importance of
English second language and French second language education for immigrant
students, as well as the effects of copyright law on schools.
"Prioritizing
of issues and determining levels of funding is crucial," added
President Shaddock. "We need to work with the government to ensure
that these issues are on the agenda, and receive the funding that they
need."
The
Canadian School Boards Association is the national voice of school boards
It comprises ten provincial school board associations representing over
350 school boards and serving more than four million elementary and
secondary school students.