A standing ovation greeted Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock PC Party candidate Maureen Kubinec and Alberta Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk as they took the podium Friday evening at the Westlock Memorial Hall.
Guests enjoyed a spaghetti buffet accompanied with drinks as the speakers spent the evening — organized by the local PC Party — focusing on one common topic of interest — the future of Alberta education.
Kubinec who was recently selected as the area’s PC candidate in the yet-to-be announced provincial election said she is very much aware of the educational issues.
“We have issues of declining enrolment in our communities to deal with,” said Kubinec.
With her years of experience as a Pembina Hills school division trustee and as a councillor for Westlock County, Kubinec said she is dedicated to working with the government to address these issues.
“Our government is not perfect, but it will try to do the right thing,” she said.
“I will take honesty and common sense to the table. I know what good governance looks like.”
The minister supported Kubinec’s views following her speech with the government’s dedication to rural education.
“We are passionate about our children, the education we provide has to be more reflective of the times,” said Lukaszuk.
Much of Lukaszuk’s speech heard at the supper covered the same topics emphasized at the rural educational symposium a few weeks ago.
The minister discussed a three-year budget that will allow school boards to decide how many teachers are needed.
Another topic heard at the supper included the new education act which outlines new changes that will be implemented soon.
“The new education act is one of the most inspiring educational acts that Alberta can have,” he said.
The bill allows school boards to enter into partnerships with both post-secondary, and non-profit institutions that will ensure school buildings are kept opened when enrolment numbers are down.
The new bill also gives parents more power over their child’s education.
“Parents are recognized as leaders of education,” said Lukaszuk.
The minister ended his speech by opening the floor for a question and answer period.
Pam Murphy asked the minister if kindergarten will be made mandatory under the new bill and she was given a mixed response.
The minister said that early childhood education and full-time kindergarten is important to the government but it will not be labeled as mandatory, leaving the decision up to parents.
“I am very encouraged to hear that they will put more focus on kindergarten and early education, but I would of course prefer if kindergarten was made mandatory,” said Murphy.
Other questions from the audience included the government’s focus on distance education.
“We are looking to expand distance learning. Learning can be anywhere and doesn’t have to happen in a classroom,” said Lukaszuk.
With the supper bringing good food and conversation from both speakers, the minister addressed the importance of keeping dialogue opened about education.
“Some of the best dialogue that has happened about Alberta education happened in the last four years, it is important that we keep doing this as our needs may change,” said Lukaszuk. “I am very encouraged to hear that they will put more focus on kindergarten and early education but I would of course prefer if kindergarten was made mandatory,” said Murphy.
Other questions from the audience included the government’s focus on distance education.
“We are looking to expand distance learning. Learning can be anywhere and doesn’t have to happen in a classroom,” said Lukaszuk.
With the supper bringing good food and conversation from both speakers, the minister addressed the importance of keeping dialogue opened about education.
“Some of the best dialogue that has happened about Alberta education happened in the last 4 years, it is important that we keep doing this as our needs may change,” said Lukaszuk.
