Portable Reannouncement a Distraction on the Eve of Crisis in Surrey Schools, as Seats Disappear Before They’re Built
Surrey, BC: The Conservative Caucus of BC says the NDP’s reannouncement of modular classrooms is nothing more than political spin in the face of a growing disaster in Surrey schools.
“Surrey kids are starting the year in 400 portables, on staggered shifts, or forced into hybrid classes because the NDP refuses to invest in real schools,” said Trevor Halford, MLA for Surrey–White Rock. “Parents are fundraising for basic supplies while this government pats itself on the back. After years of the NDP’s inability to tackle this growing disaster, our kids are paying the price.”
Despite Surrey School District’s request for $5.7 billion over five years to deliver 76 major projects, the government has provided just $89 million this year, leaving the district more than $3 billion behind on capital needs.
“It took the NDP 18 months just to deliver their so-called portable ‘solution’, and now they’re reannouncing it as if it solves anything. Surrey families deserve real schools, not endless portables and rehashed announcement,” Halford added. “Even today’s numbers don’t add up. One of the schools opened today, Theresa Clarke Elementary, was originally promised 325 seats last fall. Families are literally getting less than what they were promised, and a school that already lost 100 seats before it’s even built.”
Lynne Block, MLA for West Vancouver–Capilano and Critic for Education, said the NDP has shown no urgency on education, and its repeated neglect is hurting students not only in Surrey but across the province.
“This government keeps trying to spin the story, but the reality for students and families is very different,” Block said. “Cuts to learning centres, loss of education assistants, and now parents being asked to fundraise for basic supplies, this isn’t progress, it’s neglect. Students’ health and futures are being sacrificed because the NDP refuses to take responsibility.”
Parents and education leaders in Surrey have repeatedly warned that overcrowding, hybrid learning, and cuts to programs are symptoms of chronic underfunding.
“Instead of patting themselves on the back for more portable space, the NDP should take responsibility for the disaster in Surrey education,” Halford said. “Families deserve accountability, and students deserve proper classrooms, stable learning environments, and a government that puts their futures first.”
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Media Contact:
Francesca Guetchev, Communications Officer
Francesca.Guetchev@leg.bc.ca
+1 (672) 922-0948
