July 31, 1997
(Executive Council)

Premier Tobin announces referendum on education reform

Premier Brian Tobin, in a province-wide address on radio and television tonight, announced there will be a referendum on reform Tuesday, September 2, 1997.

The Premier said: "I believe the time has come to end the confusion and chaos that has gripped our education system over the last five years...I believe it's time to recognize that we cannot maintain our commitment to achieving the education reform necessary to shape our future, if we continue to tie that reform to the denominational system of education that shaped our past...In fact, we have in place today in this province, as a result of a court injunction, which was sought and received by the churches, a system of education where the decisions of all of our school boards are subject to the approval or disapproval of two denominational representatives."

Premier Tobin said the time has come to protect the rights of the most important group in education - our children. "I believe it's our children who must be given a full opportunity in 1997 to live together and to learn together. In fact that simple, but yet so desirable, objective cannot be fulfilled if the denominational rights which exist today, continue into the future."

"I believe it's time to hire our teachers because they're competent, caring and committed to our children, not because of their religion. I believe it's time to elect our school board members because they will exercise their best judgement on behalf of all of us, not just on behalf of some of us...The government is prepared to take decisive and swift action to bring about a new education system for our province. I can assure we have the will to act, we have the desire to act, but we require the authority to act."

The government is seeking a mandate from the people to end separation of children, to end the denominational school system, to eliminate Term 17 as it is currently drafted, and to create a new single school system where all children, regardless of their religion, attend the same schools. This new system would include provision for religious education and observances.

The people of the province will be asked a simple, straight-forward question on referendum day, September 2, as follows:

"Do you support a single school system where all children, regardless of their religious affiliation, attend the same schools where opportunities for religious education and observances are provided?"

Premier Tobin said: "Let there be no doubt what government is proposing. It means nothing less than the removal of the churches from the governing of the schools. It would mean the existing Term 17, which sets out denominational rights in the constitution, would be completely replaced. A new term, making the legislature responsible for the administration of schools and giving students the opportunity for religious education and observances, will be passed."

Contact: Heidi Bonnell, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3564, or Carl Cooper, (709) 729-5040.