The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure:

Speaker, I am very proud to speak in this Honourable House today to inform my colleagues about four brand new schools that have recently opened and are benefiting families in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In September, the new Gander Academy opened with 29 classrooms for students in Kindergarten to Grade 3.

Also in September, a new intermediate school with 33 classrooms opened in Paradise for students in Grades 6 and 7, but will eventually house Grades 6 to 9 by 2023-24.

In addition, the new Bay Roberts Primary with 18 classrooms for students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 opened in those communities.

Just last week, a new school with 17 classrooms opened in St. Alban’s for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 in the Bay d’Espoir area.

Construction on all four of these schools began in 2019 and was completed this year, for a total combined investment of more than $89 million over the course of construction

Speaker, it brings me joy to know that students and staff in these areas are

receiving their education in modern schools and that these buildings were constructed by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

These projects contributed significantly to the economic development in the province by creating employment in each of these regions.

Speaker, Budget 2021 allocated $44.1 million for improvements to schools and post-secondary institutions throughout the province, including $19.5 million for alterations and improvements.

We look forward to continuing to improve learning environments for students and staff in Newfoundland and Labrador in a way that is responsible for all taxpayers.

Thank you, Speaker.