Regarding Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper's commentary in the Oct. 23 edition of the Albertan on public funding for private schools, I believe Mr. Cooper is mistaken on a number of points.
The Notley government is not looking to shut down all private schools.
They are simply saying to families who do not like -- or are not satisfied with -- the offerings of the public education system (in Alberta, public schools refer to both public and separate systems) to pay for the private system they desire.
If I am not satisfied with current police or fire services offered to the public in Alberta or Olds, would the province or the town pay for the private service I hire? I don't think so. Why schools?
With regards to the U.N. declaration on human rights and education, our government offers universal public education.
In his commentary, Cooper says it would cost 30 per cent more to move private school students to public schools because they typically receive 70 per cent of the funding that public schools receive. That's a stretch.
The money paid to private schools could be used to reduce pupil-teacher ratios in public schools.
If I want a private security or fire service, I would have to pay for all of it; not through a public-private partnership. It should be the same for private schools.
Robert Worsfold
Olds
