Catholic Board Chair defends March for Life field trip
The Board Chair for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools is responding to criticism surrounding a field trip by some Red Deer high school students to attend an anti-abortion rally in Edmonton last week.
The field trip took place on May 10 with some students from both École Secondaire Notre Dame High and St. Joseph High School in Red Deer attending the ‘March for Life’ with transportation provided on a Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools bus.
In a statement, Education Minister David Eggen expressed his concern that education tax dollars might have been used.
“Frankly, I don’t believe protesting women’s fundamental rights is a good use of student time. Nor do I think it’s the best use of school resources – which should be directed to the classroom as much as possible,” Eggen said. “Our government has a strong record of protecting Alberta women’s reproductive health choices. That’s why we introduced legislation to help women access abortion services without fear of interference, harassment, or intimidation.”