Official Opposition forces government to blink on Bill 44
Edmonton – In response to direct questioning from Alberta Liberal Leader Dr. David Swann, Culture and Community Spirit Minister Lindsay Blackett admitted today that his government will amend Bill 44.
“Our public school system is designed to impart knowledge; it is not designed to reinforce dogma. Why is the government persisting in its attempt to break down this core role of public education?” Dr. Swann asked in Question Period.
“We will make some amendments to make sure and clarify the intent of this caucus and this government…we will not put them in any undue circumstances, we will not cause them any undue pain, and tomorrow you will see that,” admitted Blackett in response.
“Intense opposition and weeks of relentless questioning from the Official Opposition have finally gotten through to the Premier, or at least so it seems,” Swann said. “However, we’ll wait and see whether or not the amendments will actually satisfy the demands of Albertans.”
“Our hope is that the Stelmach administration will remove the parental opt-out clause,” added Laurie Blakeman, Shadow Minister for Culture and Community Spirit.
Swann and other Alberta Liberal MLAs are bringing several citizens concerned about Bill 44 to the Legislature tomorrow.
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