Coalition seeks $1B to rid CSDM schools of mould

A coalition of parents, teachers and support workers from the Quebec's largest school board is demanding the government act to eradicate mould from the province's schools.

The group saidthe Commission Scolaire de Montral (CSDM), a French-language school board on Montreal island, does not have enough money to rid schools of mould.

In a news release, the Coalition for Healthy Schools at the CSDM said it isseeking$100 million annually over ten years from the provincial government to renovate or rebuild schools with a mould problem.

Education Minister Marie Malavoy disagrees that the CSDM requires additional funding from the government to make the most urgent repairs.

"We think they are able to face the most important problems," she said. However, she acknowledgederadicatingall mould problems from all schools will take many years.

Alain Marois, the spokesman for the coalition, which he said represents 120,000 people, said the mould contamination in CSDM schools has reached a critical level.

He said 30 schools are in need of immediate attention.

The group plans to launch a website and circulate a petition to put pressure on the government.