Rustico Acadian parents want answers from Minister Shea

Despite $11.8 million in funding and a Federal agreement, the Ghiz government is refusing to support a cultural centre in the new Rustico school

Les Acadiens veulent plus, Radio Canada

“The community is disappointed on various levels!”

The Federal Minister of Fisheries Gail Shea was on PEI as part of her visit announcing $11 million in support for French and Acadian cultural and youth organizations. In Summerside at a local event for La Belle Alliance (Summerside) and Jeunesse Acadienne, Shea was surprised by complaints by Acadian parents from Rustico. They wanted to know why they were not getting the centre scolaire-communautaire (CSC) to which they were entitled and asked the Minister whether federal policy to support CSCs had changed.

The parents have been in a protracted battle with the Liberal Ghiz PEI government over their new school and community centre which was promised before the 2007 provincial election, a promise repeated by Carolyn Bertram on August 15 2008 when she unequivocally stated that each of the six francophone communities of PEI had “the right” to its own CSC.
Michelle Pineau was one of the parents who asked Shea why she was announcing money yet they could not get their school built. Speaking about the Rustico school, Pineau said “The community component is minuscule and lacks essential infrastructure and that we are currently working on a submission for a Phase II.”

Janet Maddix, Michelle Pineau, of Rustico parents committee, and Arthur Buote, Le Conseil Acadien de Rustico

“It lacks a performance venue large enough to house the current school population and their families much less anything larger, it lacks office space for community staff and provincial support staff dedicated to the region, Collège-Acadie adult learning centre space and potentially early years space as well depending upon rapidity of growth.”

Pineau’s comment reflects the fact that the presence of a CSC has led to fast growth in the student population in Charlottetown and Summerside where qualifying parents have exercised their Charter right to French education for their children.

The absence of the Premier who is the Minister responsible for Acadian and Francophone Affairs at the Acadian school ground breaking was a slight to the community, added Pineau. “There was no ground-breaking ceremony as is customary in such capital projects and the land has been being dozed for nearly a couple of weeks now.”

“The community is disappointed on various levels!” said Pineau.

Minister Shea and Heritage Canada bureaucrats present did not respond directly to the concerns expressed.

The parents believe Shea should intervene in the matter because cultural affairs and education of the Acadian youth are stated goals in the joint agreement between the Province of PEI and the Government of Canada.

“The Government will continue to invest in the instruction of both languages and in initiatives outside the classroom. The young are at the heart of the Government of Canada’s priorities: within minority communities, their parents have strived (sp) to preserve their language; it is now important for them to become fully aware of the wealth being passed along, and to make the most of it. But school is not the only means of learning: the Government will continue to support initiatives that allow young Canadians to put the languages they have learned to use – in cultural, sport or other activities outside the classroom.” Canadian Heritage Roadmap

Related story Ghiz signs $12 million deal for Francophone culture but drags heels on Rustico School

Video copyright Radio Canada CBC