Progressive Conservatives are calling on the Liberal government to step in and stop the closure of two schools in Honey Harbour.
During a speech in the Ontario legislature on Monday, PC leader Patrick Brown accused the Liberal government of going back on their promise to keep small schools as community hubs.
“What happened to the community hub the Liberals promised? Mr. Speaker, when will the premier, when will this Liberal government stop their attack on rural schools?”
Declining enrollment has been cited as the reason to closed Our Lady of Mercy and Honey Harbour Public School.
If approved, students with the catholic school would be bused 28 kilometres to a school in Victoria Harbour, while public school students would be shipped 56 kilometres to Bala.
“This government is attacking rural schools and sending students on hour long bus rides,” Brown said.
Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller also demanded action from the government. He brought forth a petition from the community asking for help.
“I will table a petition containing 1,000 signatures asking for your government’s help to find a solution that will best serve children and families of the area. This includes the potential of a co-location at a single school site. Will the premier commit to finding a solution that will help keep the primary school open in the Town of Honey Harbour?”
Premier Kathleen Wynne responded to the calls by saying there have been instances where schools from different boards combined into one location.
“There have been solutions where boards work together and found a way to co-locate schools. Everyone in the community needs to work together and MPPs can be a very important part of that.”
Wynne also said changes to the education funding formula should lead to more rational decision about closures.
