Liberal MLA calling on province to stop funding private schools in Alberta

It's a debate our province has heard before, but a Liberal education critic says it's time to stop funding private schools once and for all.

He claims the schools are divisive, and are taking away dollars that could be better spent in the public system.

"We fund private schools up to 70% of the basic grant," explains Education Minister Jeff Johnson.

That money that goes toward instruction, but it's those dollars that has Liberal MLA Kent Hehr speaking out.

"The public, the taxpayer should not fund someone's private wants and wishes," he argues.

Hehr is accusing the province of propping up private education. He introduced a private member's motion, and says government should instead commit that money to public schools.

"Private schools serve to divide children and families on the basis of race, religion, ability and the like, and the ability to pay."

It's an argument the Association of Independent Schools and Colleges in Alberta has heard before.

Duane Platinga, with the Association of Independent Schools and Colleges in Alberta disagrees.

"The idea that this is for the rich elite is totally misconception," he maintains. "The parents and the communities provide a lot of the funding. So in an average year, I would estimate about $140 million is a saving to taxpayers."

Four per cent or about 24,000 students across the province attend private schools.

The Education Minister says the schools fill a void, especially for special needs and underprivelaged students.

"Why shouldn't we invest in that education," he says. At the end of the day, every Albertans has a stake in that child's success."

While Kent Hehr agrees with that, he believes taxpayers shouldn't be paying for that education, unless it comes from a public school.

The private member's motion will be voted on next week.

With files from Kendra Slugoski, Global News