The fate of seven schools pledged by the former Progressive Conservative government in Manitoba is uncertain.
The Tories pledged last year to construct a total of nine schools by 2027, under a so-called P3 system in cooperation with the private sector.
The NDP government, in its budget this week, has allocated funds for two schools — one in northwest Winnipeg and one in the city’s southeast — to be constructed by the government alone.
Finance Minister Adrien Sala says the remaining seven schools are not cancelled, but the province is not committing to them at this time.
He accuses the former Tory government of pledging the schools without having the funding for them.
He says the NDP government acknowledges the necessity for more schools but will proceed responsibly.
In Opposition, the NDP criticized the P3 model, saying it would cost taxpayers more money in the long run.
The Tory plan would have had a private contractor design, construct and maintain the buildings. In exchange, the province would have signed a 30-year agreement including payments for ongoing maintenance.
The Tories had said the plan would allow the schools to be constructed quickly and would save money.
