The high-risk, structurally-unsound, funky-smelling Prince Rupert Middle School was ground zero for a political showdown between incumbent MLA Jennifer Rice, NDP, and the education minister Mike Bernier, Liberal.
Sure, Bernier may have sounded silly stating that the school’s poor condition was only brought to his attention three weeks ago — considering his own ministry inspected the middle school in 2015 that confirmed asbestos is present in the facility and approximately $23 million is needed to replace or repair the school.
But then, to throw Bernier a bone here, he has 118 schools in similar situations — the North Coast MLA has nine schools in Rupert and six on Haida Gwaii.
How, after four years of serving the district as MLA, was this issue only raised in the legislature by Ms. Rice in March?
Here we are in election season, and the middle school is getting only political lip service — when what the school really needs is some teeth.