Our children's future is at stake, yet their education remains a political afterthought. This stark reality was on full display at a recent Progressive Conservative leadership forum in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), where approximately 40 parents, educators, and union leaders gathered, united by their frustration over the lack of concrete solutions to the province’s education crisis. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite the urgency of the issue, the candidates vying to become P.E.I.’s next premier offered little more than vague assurances, leaving many to wonder if education is truly a priority for the province’s leadership.
The event, held at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown, was the third and final forum between candidates Rob Lantz and Mark Ledwell. Outside Memorial Hall, where the debate took place, protesters held signs with powerful messages like “Students deserve support, not spin,” “This isn’t politics, this is our children’s future,” and “Respect educators with resources, not slogans.” These weren’t just slogans—they were cries for help from a community desperate for change. And this is the part most people miss: while the candidates fielded over 20 questions, only two touched on education, and even those were narrowly focused on post-secondary issues and a specific bursary program.
Jen Poirier, a parent from Kelvin Grove, summed up the sentiment of many when she expressed her disappointment. “We really didn’t hear a lot, nothing really of substance on how they're going to help Island students K-12 with their education,” she said. Her concerns are far from isolated. High student-to-teacher ratios, a shortage of resources for teachers, and lengthy assessment wait times are just a few of the challenges plaguing the system. “The system is in crisis,” Poirier added. “Students are falling through the cracks, and we need to be worried about our future.”
Colleen Jackson, president of CUPE 3260, which represents educational assistants, highlighted another critical issue: these essential workers are only paid for six hours a day, despite their integral role in supporting students. “We know these students best,” Jackson explained. “But we’re not at the table when it comes to advocating for them in meetings about Individual Education Programs (IEPs), safety plans, or behavioral plans because those meetings happen after our paid hours.”
Both Lantz and Ledwell pledged to continue supporting the George Coles Bursary, a non-repayable financial aid program for post-secondary students. However, when asked about out-migration of young people, Ledwell’s response was vague, stating only that he is committed to “frontline education” without elaborating. This lack of detail left many in the audience—and likely many readers—wondering: Is this enough?
As voting for the PC Party’s new leader begins, Poirier and her fellow advocates plan to keep the pressure on. They’re not just fighting for better funding or resources; they’re fighting for the future of P.E.I.’s children. “These resources are needed,” Poirier emphasized. “We have to take action because students are still falling through the cracks.”
But here’s the question that lingers: If education is truly the foundation of a thriving society, why isn’t it being treated as a top priority by those in power? Is it a matter of political will, or are there deeper systemic issues at play? We want to hear from you. Do you think the candidates are doing enough to address the education crisis? Or is this a problem that requires a more radical approach? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s start a conversation that could shape the future of P.E.I.’s education system.
