The Quebec government announced Friday it is investing $3 million into revamping schoolyards across the province.
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“We want all our schools to be nice and useful and be in good shape,” said Quebec Education Minister Jean-François Roberge.
“All children have the same right to have a nice school.”
Forty-nine school boards will receive money for 140 schools, earmarked for projects like installing of synthetic terrain and planting of trees and shrubs.
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Of those 140 schools, four English schools received funding:
- Our Lady of Peace Elementary School with the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board ($25,000 for a miniature obstacle course and planting trees and shrubs)
- Souvenir Elementary School with the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board ($25,000 for for a miniature obstacle course)
- Terry Fox Elementary School with the Riverside School Board ($14,131 to install a playground)
- Dalkeith Elementary School with the English Montreal School Board ($10,169 to renovate and install a playground)
“It’s not because we prioritize French schools over English. It’s because of the criteria,” said Roberge. “Maybe they didn’t ask for money, I don’t know.”
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The minister also took the opportunity to reiterate that elementary schools students will get two mandatory 20-minute recesses each day starting in the next academic year.