We now have a better idea of where New Brunswick political parties stand on education issues.
The New Brunswick Teachers’ Association recently issued a survey to the five main political parties.
“It was about getting the parties’ views on educational priorities coming into the election, seeing what their answers are to some of the things that we’ve identified as key issues,” President Peter Lagacy told our newsroom.
Earlier this week, the association published the results it received from the eight survey questions.
The Progressive Conservatives, Liberals, Greens and New Democrats all sent in responses. The People’s Alliance Party did not provide written responses, citing concerns over their capacity to provide costing of any commitments.
The survey questions sought commitments on public funding for public education, teacher retention and recruitment, and collaboration in setting priorities for education in New Brunswick.
“Looking at the responses, I was very pleased to see that they all identified the need for a retention and recruitment plan in the province and the need to have certified teachers in front of our students,” said Lagacy.
A recent study found New Brunswick faces a looming teacher shortage amid retirements and population growth.
Projections show around 1,255 contract teachers are likely to retire over the next five years.
Lagacy said they hope the survey will benefit more than just the province’s educators.
“I really think it’s going to help educators, it’s going to help voters assess which parties align most closely with the needs of New Brunswick’s public education system so they can make an informed vote,” he said.
You can view all of the responses on the association’s website.
