MLA Chuck Chiasson. (Image submitted)
New Brunswick’s Liberal Education Critic is urging the provincial government to pay for laptops that will be mandatory for high schools for the coming year.
Chuck Chiasson says they need to remove the stress off parents, “The government is imposing a serious financial burden on families many who have seen their income significantly reduced as a result of the pandemic. They are struggling to put food on the table, and I just don’t think it’s right to burden them with extra costs.”
The MLA suggests the government could get a better price per laptop by buying in bulk and would be better prepared to absorb the added costs of software, warranties and repairs.
“Instead of providing vouchers, the government should put this money towards the purchase of the devices, software packages and warranties in bulk,” says Chiasson. “It could be an opt-in program which allows students who already have a well performing laptop to bring their own, while ensuring that all other students have equal access to quality standardized devices.”
He adds parents already have the burden of buying school supplies, “Laptops will be a necessary learning tool and we don’t think parents should be saddled with the cost of providing these devices.”
Education Minister Dominic Cardy informed families last month that high school students will require an electronic device for the coming school year. He also introduced a laptop subsidy program broken down for different income levels.
