WCR Letters to the Editor

School boundaries reform could be much simpler

This bill has passed first and second readings in the Alberta Legislature with discussion to continue at committee of the whole in the fall sitting.

It had been generally expected that Bill 16 would pass during the spring sitting. However, after hearing serious concerns expressed by school boards across the province, the government wisely decided that more time was needed to ensure that the amendments proposed to the School Act were indeed what were needed.

One of the most contentious sections of Bill 16 is the alternative method for expanding school board boundaries.

Contrary to what is stated in the news story, the Alberta School Boards' Association has not taken a position on the amendments proposed in this section and has repeatedly stated that it would not do so.

The issues surrounding the proposed new legislation are complex. The Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association has legitimate concerns, as expressed by Lois Burke-Gaffney. Rural school boards have equally legitimate concerns.

In the absence of a position taken by ASBA, it is to be hoped that meaningful dialogue will be undertaken between the ACSTA and the Public School Boards Association of Alberta in a genuine endeavour to arrive at recommendations for amendments that both the ACSTA and rural boards can support.

It remains the position of our school board that much of the dissatisfaction with the "4x4" century-old process used currently to expand separate school boundaries could be eliminated by bringing the process up to date.

That this appears to be of little interest to those seeking to bring about change continues to puzzle us.

Therese Gervais
Chairman
Sturgeon School Division

Pro-life movement should avoid abrasive approach

Cunningham has suggested that shocking graphic images have proven to be an effective pro-life tool and should be utilized to the point of making people sick to their stomachs.

I do not believe that graphic pictures of abortions on transport trucks, or comparing abortion to the holocaust is an effective way to promote life, despite Cunningham's extensive research and claims of success using this approach in the U. S.

The true measure of success in promoting respect for life is when hearts are changed. I am convinced that no heart will change in the face of abrasive rhetoric or accusations which intimidate those seeking reconciliation and totally alienate those who we wish to enlighten.

One of the most effective pro-life messages I can relate to is the bill board picturing the mother and child with the message, "love them both"; a simple message that shines in the light of the Gospel and challenges us to so many positive initiatives.

I am pleased that Patty Nixon, executive director of Alberta Pro-Life, is taking a cautious approach to implementing Cunningham's suggestions. If the pro-life movement is simply looking for a good fight, then the abrasive approach will certainly provide that.

Perhaps it's time for life initiatives which are creative, loving and of themselves life giving. There has to be a better way.

Lawrence Bonin
Sherwood Park

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