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Recently, as a representative of Citizens for Educational Choice (CEC), I submitted a formal request to Minister of Education Kelly Lamrock and Minister of Supply & Services Jack Keir for documentation relating to the recent changes being proposed for French Second Language (FSL) education in New Brunswick.

I made my request pursuant to the Right to Information Act, which gives individuals the right to receive information relating to the public business of the province.

Among other things, the request asks the government to supply documents relating to the drafting of the Croll/Lee Report, as well as recommendations to the department of education from curriculum development committees, teachers and the provincial curriculum advisory committee about the recent changes to the education system. The request is also asking for information with respect to the cost of the Croll/Lee Report and other fees paid by the department of education to outside consultants.

CEC is seeking documentation from the department of education to gain a clearer understanding of the process Premier Graham and his government used to reach their decision to make the proposed changes to FSL education. In addition, CEC is looking for clarification regarding the way these changes will be implemented.

It remains unclear to parents and citizens of New Brunswick the rationale for Minister Lamrock's changes to our French Second Language programs. There is also continued uncertainty about what the new program is going to look like. It's not clear that this decision was made through careful consideration, based on sound policy and research.

Formed in early April in response to proposed changes to French Second Language education, Citizens for Educational Choice is an umbrella group that supports fundamental choice in the province's educational system. CEC's stated purpose is to see the decision reversed and a proper consultation process implemented to allow for much needed revisions to the current proposal.

Debbie Black