Nova Scotia NDP leader Robert Chisholm has promised the P3 method of financing schools will be history under an NDP government. Chisholm said the 55 P3 schools announced so far by the Liberal government would cost the education system $36 million more than if the schools were publicly owned. P3 financing is wasteful. It is not a cost-effective way to build schools, he said.
Speaking at the Halifax West High School on June 28, Chisholm warned that the provincial Liberals are promoting a double standard in education. The Liberals want to build a system with 55 first class privately-owned schools and 400 second class schools.
Pledging that the New Democrats will not sign any more P3 deals and will review all existing deals, he confirmed the NDP would build needed schools and ensure needed renovations.
The Liberals have already set aside $704 million for school construction and renovation. We will ensure those funds are used for equal educational opportunity for students all across Nova Scotia, he said.