Grande Prairie Catholic District board chair Michael Ouellette says the situation in Grande Prairie is a shining example of the help that is needed from whoever wins the 2019 provincial election. He recently took part in a 15,000 strong rally in Edmonton for better education funding,
“The kids are the most important thing. During the election, we need to bring education to the forefront, and let politicians know.”
With around 13,800 registered students across both the Grande Prairie Catholic and public school districts already, Ouellette says the time for action is now, as that upward trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
“Parents are choosing to move to Grande Prairie and they want their children educated. It doesn’t matter what district you’re in, they’re all growing at a fast pace.”
Ouellette says two of the big-ticket items in the Catholic district have been ticked off the list, but long term planning remains an ongoing issue.
“One of our needs was met by giving us a brand new school. Another need was met by this government by the modernization of St. Pat’s. But, our biggest need right now actually is out in a different area, out in Fairview, we need a new school out there.”
The Grande Prairie Catholic School District received $61 million in funding from Alberta Education in 2018.