Dunderdale unwavering on ABE despite faculty letter

Faculty at the College of the North Atlantic have sent a letter to Newfoundland and Labrador's premier arguing against the privatization of adult basic education, although Kathy Dunderdale is not changing her mind.

Liberal critic Andrew Parsons brought the issue to the floor of the house of assembly on Thursday.

"The faculty of the College of the North Atlantic have made a compelling argument for keeping the colleges ABE program," said Parsons, one of several Opposition critics who have made a point of using the phrase "compelling argument" in response to a bar that Dunderdale has set for a reconsideration of cuts announced in the March budget.

Government is turning the adult basic education over to the private college system.

"The minister states the reason for cutting the program is the cost of delivery and the low graduation rate," Parsons said. "I ask the minister: Why do you think the cost is higher and graduation rate lower at the colleges ABE program?"

Dunderdale answered the question rather than Advanced Education and Skills Minister Joan Shea.

"Their most compelling statement in the letter is their last: 'With a looming skilled worker shortage and the need for an educated workforce at an all time high, it is vital that your government make investment in our public college system a priority,'" Dunderdale said.

Dunderdale said the government is working on a recent White Paper on education.

"We are not going to pay more for less. Our motto is to pay less for more for a better result," said Dunderdale. "Mr. Speaker, we are going to continue to do that."