Evans breaks with his party, says funding for separate schools should be delayed until the courts c an rule The Liberal Party's candidate in Durham West has caDled for a delay in the , im- plemenation of a provincial government plan to fully fund the Roman Catholic school system in Ontario. Brian Evans has made a departure from the official policy not only of his own party but of the Progressive Con- servatives and the New Democrats as well. "Although I support the funding of separate schools and other private religious and cultural schools in prin- ciple, I believe it is un- wise to proceed with funding at this time," the 34-year old Whitby lawyer said in a written statement Monday. He said that he agrees with J.J. Robinette, the lawyer for the Metropolitan Toronto School Board, that the funding scheme an- nounced last year by former premier Bill Davis is uncon- stitutional. And because of the constitutional issue in- volved, the plan should be put on the back bur- ner until the courts have reviewed the legislation. "Funding should be delayed until the courts have made a final determination as to whether such funding is proper legislation within the context of the constitution," Evans said. Furthermore, the funding should be delayed until parents, Evans teachers and public school boards have had an opportunity to put forward their arguements. "Funding should also be delayed until there has been a extensive consultation process with the various in- terests involved, and until there has been a full debate in the bouse with proposed legislation before it," Evans added. He also took a shot a Davis. "Bill Davis was premier, not king." Evans was also critical not just of his party but of all the major parties for endor- Consultants and depar- tment heads will receive an allowance increase of 2 per cent over their salary. Lafarga said that this settlement will cost the board an additional 7.12 per cent or $2,994,500 for this budget year. The contract will in- clude an upgrading of the teachers' dental benefits package. They will now receive benefits equal to the 1983 Ontario Dental Association fee schedule. A few days ago, the Durham Board's elementary school teachers rejected the board's latest contract offer. sing the idea of full fun- ding for Roman Catholic schools without debating it or in- vestigating its impact. "I am concerned that all parties are agreeing to the funding without knowing the particulars of how it will impact our communities and without legislative ap- proval of (Davis') idea." The manner in which the funding plan was announced and im- plemented has, he said, made people, both Catholics and non- Catholics upset. "In the current state of affairs many Roman Catholic school boards won't accept the funds with strings attached," he said, "And many Catholics are angered and confused." As it stands now, Evans believes that the issue is a no-win situation for everyone involved. "It's a lose-lose situation which is only causing bitterness and division along religious lines," he said, "With proper consultation, debate and a clear court ruling it will be a win- win situation." The candidate also believes that it would be a waste of taxpayers money to implement a program that the courts could reject. "Why spend millions implementing a system, part of all of which may be illegal?" Evans maintains, "Implemen- tation should be dèlayed and all three parties should work towards a revamped funding for- mula that will answer the needs and concerns of all citizens." While he admits that the issue of separate school funding has been raging for a few years, the new Canadian Con- stitution may bring new focus to the issue. The plan, he said, "must now be con- sidered in the light of our recent constitution. "Furthermore," he added, "it should not be rammed down the throats of the citizens of this province in a dic- tatorial and un- democratic fashion." Evans is also unafraid of being reprimanded by Liberal leader David Peterson or party bosses for straying away from the official position. "Fortunately, the Liberal Party allows its candidates to disagree with party policy on the issues in this election," he said. After almost a year of negotiations, the Durham Board of Education has reached new contract agreemen- ts with its secondary school teachers. In a written statement released Monday mor- ning, board chairman Ruth Lafarga said that the secondary teachers will receive salary hikes of just·over 4.6 per cent. This will produce an in- crease in the salary ceiling for teachers to $44,550. High school principals will receive similiar pay hikes bringing their maximum salary to $59,184. Vice-principals will now get a maximum of $51,524. --___TiciPaID/1 WHITBY FREEPRESS,WEDNESDAY,APRTI.24,1985,PAGE3 .. -- - - - -•-•- FROM$ 4. ROLL BUYVONE SOh Eler B FAINRTE OURTSNEW SCARBOROUGHADDRESS*N WIH MSouho lemr nPT DPO T PLA A - AR Ty ROADFOMTeGUFSAON OSHAWA AJAX - a 140 SIMCO E ST. S. 1313 HARWOOD AVE. N. 5794655 686-0719 High school teachers win new contract McALLISTEgS. P resent The Barrymore "Limited Editions" Custom Cover Sale SAVINGSOF 2O0/ -web coil construction, to stand the test of time 1