The leader of the People’s Alliance Party believes parents in New Brunswick are feeling uncertain about early French immersion given poor student test scores in math, science and literacy.
Kris Austin says a significant drop for the Grade One entry point should come as no surprise.
Austin says the Gallant government is failing to address serious issues surrounding language and language requirements.
“The premier knows full well that language tensions are very high in New Brunswick. And reasonably so. However, what they are failing to see is that there are people in the province due to language,” he notes.
Austin says the decision goes against the advice of educators and even parents, many of whom he says are waiting until Grade 6 to enrol their children in French immersion.