Breaking news

Media release from the Office of the Ombudsman/Child & Youth Advocate:

Ombudsman to investigate

EFI complaints

April 3, 2008FREDERICTON (CNB) - Ombudsman Bernard Richard announced today that he is going to conduct an investigation into the numerous complaints that have been lodged with his office about the recent announcement by Department of Education to abolish Early French Immersion.

“We have received more than 200 complaints on this matter,” Richard said. “Many concerns have been raised by the complainants that I believe are worthy of further scrutiny by my office, including many questions raised about the process.

“In the interest of a thorough and fair investigation, I am recommending that the Department of Education suspend the elimination of Early French Immersion until the 2009-2010 school year,” Richard said.

Once the investigation is complete, Richard will release his findings and any recommendations that might be forthcoming.

08/04/03

MEDIA CONTACT: Ombudsman Bernard Richard, 506-453-2789 or 1-888-465-1100.

Letter from Lisa Weir to Bernard Richard, Ombudsman:

 March 25/08

Good day Mr. Richard,

I am writing to you because in your role as an advocate for youth in this province, I feel it is pertinent to express my concerns regarding the implementation of the Intensive French program. I would like to begin by stating that I am against this decision. I am against it because I believe it is wrong for a government to remove choice from citizens under just about any possible circumstance. I am against it most wholeheartedly, however, because of how this program will affect my daughter and no doubt, many others who are in a similar situation.