New release from Charlie Angus, MP, Timmins James Bay
PRIVATE SCHOOLS GET CONSERVATIVE PORK BARREL SPENDING
Stark contrast to the Attawapiskat kids left in the cold on the James Bay Coast
OTTAWA – New Democrats say it’s completely unacceptable for the Conservative government to use stimulus spending to fund playgrounds for two private schools in Conservative ridings. The decision to funnel money to build soccer fields for private schools stands in stark contrast to the Conservatives’ abdication of responsibility for building a desperately needed school on the James Bay coast.
It’s been two years since Minister Chuck Strahl abandoned a long-standing plan to build a grade school for children in the community of Attawapiskat.
“The Minister of Indian Affairs told the children of Attawapiskat that honouring a commitment to build a school was not a priority for his government,” Angus said.  “We now see that they’re funneling monies to two private schools projects instead.”
It’s been 9 years since the school in Attawapiskat was closed due to massive contamination from diesel and ethyl benzene. Minister Chuck Strahl has access to reports that identify the grounds where the children play as a “class one threat” to human health.
Angus says Minister Strahl’s indifference to the situation facing the 400 students being educated in makeshift portables.
“There are pork barrel cheques paying for private soccer fields for private school kids while the children of Attawapiskat are forced to play on one of the most contaminated sites in Canada. They don’t even have a lousy set of playground swings,” he said.
The disparity between the school in Attawapiskat and the two private schools could not be clearer.
Pretty River Academy in Collingwood received $500,000 to build an indoor soccer field that will be “rented” out to the public when not being used by the Academy.  Redeemer Christian University is receiving funds through two different projects for a total of $2.6 million. It’s not clear how much access the public will be given to the new facilities.
Angus challenged Strahl to do better.
“This community has been shovel ready for nine years. When will this Minister tell these children that they are finally a priority for the government of Canada?

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