A group of concerned parents, educators, and union leaders are speaking out about the lack of attention given to education during the Progressive Conservative leadership forum in Prince Edward Island. With a sense of urgency, they marched to the Confederation Centre of the Arts, where the final forum was taking place, to highlight what they see as a crisis in the education system.
"The system is failing our students," said Jen Poirier, a parent from Kelvin Grove. "Resources are scarce, class sizes are too large, and our teachers are struggling. It's time for real change."
The group's peaceful protest outside Memorial Hall carried powerful messages: "Students deserve support, not spin," and "Respect educators with resources, not slogans." They wanted their voices heard, demanding concrete plans to address the issues plaguing education on the island.
But here's where it gets controversial: during the forum, only two out of over 20 questions posed to the candidates, Rob Lantz and Mark Ledwell, focused on education. The candidates' responses, according to the protesters, lacked substance and failed to address the core concerns.
"We need more than just promises," said Colleen Jackson, president of CUPE 3260, which represents educational assistants. "Our students deserve better. We work closely with them, and we know their needs. It's time for action, not just slogans."
And this is the part most people miss: the lack of support extends beyond the classroom. Educational assistants, for instance, are only paid for six hours a day, yet they advocate for students' needs beyond that time frame. It's a clear indication that the current system is not meeting the demands of our education system.
As the PC Party members vote for their new leader and the province's next premier, the protesters plan to keep the pressure on. They'll be present at the Public School Branch's March meeting, continuing their fight for the resources their students desperately need.
"Our students are the future of Prince Edward Island," Poirier emphasized. "We can't afford to let them fall through the cracks any longer. It's time for our leaders to step up and make education a priority."
What do you think? Is education getting the attention it deserves in political forums? Should candidates be held more accountable for their education policies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
