Hehr Lines

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, school boards had real power:  the power to tax, which gave them the opportunity to be as educationally progressive and innovative as their political antennae would allow.  I was reminded of that bygone era, when the CBE recently announced the designation of $1.5 million for a small number of full-day Kindergarten programs, beginning in September 2005.  I congratulate CBE Trustees and Senior Administration for taking this initiative.   I am  hopeful their decision to put scarce CBE dollars into this program will encourage the provincial government to move positively on the Learning Commission's recommendation regarding the establishment of full-day Kindergarten programs.  At the very least, I hope Calgary MLAs, representing the twenty-six schools who are designated as the beneficiaries of this program, will become advocates on its behalf.

If we are to maintain the 'Alberta Advantage', it is crucial that our government realize and accept that the provision of high quality early childhood development programs are clearly investments and not expenditures.  Among the benefits accruing from such investments are a reduced use of social welfare, justice and health services, increased earnings and increased tax revenue for the government, not to mention the possibility of a happier, richer and more productive life for individuals.  Quebec and New Brunswick currently provide full-day Kindergarten, and approximately 55% of American Kindergarten children participate in full-day programs.  With oil at $50 US a barrel, there seems absolutely no reason why all Alberta's children should not be given this opportunity now.