The Department of Education and la Commission scolaire de langue française (French School Board) unveiled plans today for the delivery of French First Language education to students in Summerside.
"The Government of Prince Edward Island accepted the Supreme Court ruling earlier this year and we are prepared to move forward," said the Honourable Chester Gillan, Minister of Education. "We are committed to providing a facility for Grades 1 to 6 students in Summerside. This facility will also serve the Francophone community of Summerside."
Gillan said classes will begin in September 2000. The Department of Education has requested that the school board bring forward recommendations for a temporary location for September 2000. The Minister has also asked the board to form a committee to work with representatives from the Department of Education to plan for a permanent location.
"Our department and the school board have worked cooperatively in the past and I am confident a permanent solution will be found," said Gillan.
Yvonne Arsenault, chair of the French School Board, welcomed the province's decision to proceed.
"Our board has been working with officials in the Department," said Arsenault. "We look forward to formalizing the planning process for a long-term facility in Summerside. In the meantime, we will ensure there is a suitable location for classes this fall."