Mr. Speaker, since the hour is growing late I will try to keep my comments rather short.
A number of points my colleague from Elk Island raised I would echo as well. Being a former teacher, education is very important and being the father of four children, education is very important. In fact, my wife and I have made the decision to home school our children in order to impart the values we feel are important. Notwithstanding that others choose other options, which is totally within the rights of an individual, we have made the decision for ourselves.
I must turn to the point of minority rights in the debate which was raised by a number of my colleagues. This amendment would extinguish, in my mind beyond a shadow of a doubt, rights currently granted to individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Yes, referendums have been held and democratic consent has been given, yet we must consider the minorities in this case, the people whose rights would be extinguished by this amendment.
As my colleague mentioned, the idea of including religious courses as an option to replace these denominational schools simply does not have the same impact as having a denominational or a complete religious orientation at a school.
I went to a private Christian college at great expense. I had to work hard during the summers to go there. However, what I learned there was a way of looking at the world, a world view, not simply religion second hand but trying to integrate that into every walk of my own life. I know how much of an impact that had on me. I see this also as being important that the children of Newfoundland have that opportunity under the existing system. This amendment would alter that opportunity.
Also, the notion of schools of choice was mentioned and that providing funding to the institutions where the children go would be a good solution to this problem. That is a provincial responsibility. It might be a solution to look at in this debate.
As we know, the moneys that would go with a child to the school of choice would help to increase the accountability factor of that school. It would also give the parents the right and opportunity to send their child to the school of their choice.
I have listened with great interest to the tone of the debate throughout the day. I have noticed that there are members who are for and against this amendment from the government benches as well as the opposition benches. It has been a good debate. Members have had the opportunity to express their views in a non-partisan nature. I have appreciate the opportunity.
I will conclude my remarks by stating again that I believe this would extinguish the rights currently held by individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador and that is why I cannot support the amendment and will be voting against it.