These are statements issued by the NDP’s Gary Burrill and PC Party Education Critic Tim Halman
HALIFAX: PC Education critic Tim Halman said the following:
“While I’m pleased to finally see what triggers a full school closure, a full classroom isolating, or a single student isolating, we’re disappointed it took this long to answer a straightforward question. It comes less than a week before students, teachers and administrators enter school.
Managing cases – as presented by the Liberal government – relies heavily on Public Health. The number one question the PC Caucus office has at this time is whether Public Health is ready for this influx of calls, investigations and testing.
“We have already heard about numerous delays with the 8-1-1 system, and we would like the Liberal government to immediately address this issue.
Today’s announcement has answered some of the questions our office has received over the last few weeks, but with new answers, come new questions.
“It would have been beneficial to start these updates weeks ago. With one week left, I encourage Minister Churchill to be more accessible.
NDP Leader Gary Burrill made the following statement in response to Education Minister Zach Churchill’s press conference today:
“For this education reopening plan to work, parents are going to have to take leave from work to care for children who need a COVID-19 test.
“Unfortunately, a huge number of parents do not have access to paid sick leave, forcing them to choose between following public health guidance and being able to afford rent and groceries.
Families should not be put in the predicament of losing pay because their children need to be tested. The Liberal government must bring forward a plan for paid sick leave for every working person in Nova Scotia.”
In addition to calling on the Liberals to implement 10 paid sick days for all workers, the NDP Caucus has also called for an expedited testing strategy for students, teachers, and staff in P-12 schools.
