The full answer on changes to Education in light of COVID-19 | Jason Kenney

I was asked today about changes we made to Education funding in light of the Chief Medical Officer's recommendation to close Alberta schools and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

I've seen the leader of the NDP circulating a 9-second clip of that answer today, but I think you deserve more than that - you deserve the full answer.

So let me be clear: teachers are still employed running distance education classes for students, and PUF funding for children with disabilities is being maintained.

Like municipalities who have had to lay off library and recreational facility workers, it is incredibly difficult to let people like school bus drivers and cleaning staff go - but we cannot continue to have taxpayers fund these positions while schools are closed, and we are spending millions every day in the COVID-19 response.

These school division employees are not normally employed in schools throughout the summer, and therefore will be back at work for the fall at the beginning of the next school year.

Like the thousands of private sector employers under stress right now in Alberta, we don't take any decision to let staff go lightly - this is tough.

There are federal and provincial supports available to help those with lost income - we encourage all affected to access them at canada.ca/coronavirus and alberta.ca/COVID19

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