Prince Edward Island schools to remain closed until at least Monday
Public schools on Prince Edward Island will remain closed until at least Monday, the province’s minister of education said during a news conference Tuesday.
Minister Natalie Jameson says with many roadways and sidewalks still cluttered with debris from post-tropical storm Fiona, it is not safe to open schools.
“Military and crews are working to clear schools of debris,” said Jameson during the news conference. “The province asks that people stay off school grounds while these efforts are underway. This includes playgrounds and sports fields.”
Jameson says school authorities are working with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure to assess the situation at all island schools.
The province says it has identified six schools that need significant repairs, including Ecole Evangeline, Queen Charlotte Intermediate, Cardigan Consolidated, East Wiltshire Intermediate, West Royalty Elementary and Westwood Primary School. She says it is unlikely these schools will open Monday.
“It is too early to know what the days ahead will look like for schools where the impact was greatest,” said Jameson. “We may see some students redistributed to neighbouring schools. We might have some students pivot to remote learning or alternate learning locations.”
In terms of childcare centres, the minister says 20 facilities are back up and running on the Island, where more than 62,000 utility customers remain without power.
The minister says 174 childcare spaces are available for the children of essential workers. She says anyone looking to get their child enrolled in one of the spots should email the province at Childcarepostfiona@gov.pe.ca.
She encourages the owners of any childcare centres affected by Fiona to reach out to the Early Years Division of her department for support.
The province says a further announcement will be made later this week on what schools will be able to open on Monday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.