David Eggen, NDP Critic for Advanced Education. (Canadian Press)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

David Eggen

NDP calling for plan for safe return to class for post-secondary students

Jan 6, 2022 | 3:22 PM

Alberta’s NDP is calling on the UCP government to plan for a safe return to in-person learning at all post-secondary schools across the province.

Before Christmas, Party officials note the University of Calgary announced they would move learning online until Jan. 31 and the University of Alberta until Jan. 23.

The NDP says the UCP’s evasion of responsibility for public health on campus comes amid the government’s $690 million worth of cuts to post-secondary institutions.

“Once again, the burden of these public health decisions and responsibility to implement safety measures is falling onto the shoulders of schools,” said David Eggen, NDP Critic for Advanced Education. “After two years of deep budget cuts, the UCP seemingly are expecting schools to manage this pandemic with zero support, and decreased resources. This is unacceptable.”

To ensure the return to in-person learning at post-secondary schools across the province will be as safe as possible, Alberta’s NDP is calling on the government to implement the following:

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• Ensure all students and staff have access to N95 grade masks.
• Conduct a proper audit of air quality and air flow at all buildings on campuses to identify areas needed for upgrade.
• Secure an adequate number of rapid tests for post-secondary schools to cover those on campus.

“These measures, coupled with continuing reporting of outbreaks and alerts at schools by the government will ensure schools can make in-person learning as safe as possible,” said Eggen.

“Students and staff are online for the next few weeks, and Jason Kenney must use this time to roll out safety measures to schools in time for in-person return.”