Government Files Appeal Over French Language Education Ruling

Education Minister Chester Gillan announced today that a notice of appeal has been served with respect to the Supreme Court decision that Government is obligated to provide French language elementary school facilities in the Summerside area.

"Our decision to file the appeal at this time is merely to preserve Government's legal options," said Mr. Gillan. "If we had not served the appeal notice on the plaintiffs today, our legal position would have been compromised." Appeals to the Appeal Division of the Prince Edward Island Supreme Court must be served within 30 days following a lower court decision in the Trial Division.

Mr. Gillan says last month's decision by Mr. Justice DesRoches is still under review and consideration. "The provision of French Language educational instruction and facilities in the Province, where numbers warrant, is a responsibility that Government recognizes," the Minister stated. "However, Government's responsibility in this area needs to be further considered in the context of our overall responsibility for educational facilities throughout the Province, whether in the French or the English language."