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EIPS and ATA concerned by province's charter school investment – Sherwood Park News

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An announcement by the UCP government this week that earmarks millions of dollars over the next three years to expand existing charter schools and encourage the creation of new ones did not sit well with Elk Island Public Schools.

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Trina Boymook, board chair of Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS), is concerned about educational funding being diverted from public schools. 

“It’s critical the strong foundations of Alberta’s public schools are respected and maintained, and taxpayer dollars are used to support the system that best serves the interests of the majority of students,” Boymook underlined. “Diluting resources to alternative educational institutions, without a mandate for inclusivity and public accountability, weakens Alberta’s overall capacity to grow, thrive and prosper for years to come.”

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Premier Jason Kenney and Education Minister Adriana LaGrange said $25-million in additional operation funds and $47-million in new capital spending over three years will help schools grow.  

Kenney said charter schools provide more choice for parents.

“EIPS, and public school divisions throughout the province, consistently deliver a broad range of programming options for students of varied backgrounds and interests,” Boymook said in response to the premier. “From specialized languages and faith-based programs to advanced academic opportunities and competitive sports to specialized supports and continuing education, students within the division have the opportunity to push past their limits and find meaningful ways to contribute to and enhance their communities.” 

There are currently 16 publicly funded charter schools in Alberta and the school generally focus on a specific aspect of education, like music or outdoor learning. The schools use public funding, receiving about five per cent of the province’s total education funding, but they are run by their own boards. 

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“EIPS schools are diverse, inclusive and welcoming to all students,” Boymook said. “Our programs are based on sound current pedagogy and are delivered by expert, certified teachers who embrace and nurture a culture of lifelong learning. Additionally, oversight and guidance are provided by locally elected trustees, who, in turn, are accountable to the constituents in the communities they serve.”

Trina Boymook, chair of the EIPS board of trustees. Photo Supplied
Trina Boymook, chair of the EIPS board of trustees. Photo Supplied

The premier said charter schools are not allowed to charge tuition and are required to accept all students who apply, assuming there is space. 

NDP education critic Sarah Hoffman accuses the UCP government of “sabotaging” public education by funding charters. 

“Edmonton and Calgary students desperately need schools and modernizations and the UCP’s no-help budget also does not invest a dollar in Francophone construction either,” Hoffman said. 

Kenney said about one-third of the schools in Alberta being replaced or refurbished are in the Edmonton area. The 2022-23 Alberta Budget included $25-million for 15 school infrastructure projects, including planning and design funding for a replacement for Sherwood Heights Junior High.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is also concerned about the injection of funding for charter schools. ATA president Jason Schilling said public education has been chronically underfunded for years and new funding should be going to public, separate or francophone schools — not charters. 

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“The government is dedicating $72-million in new funding to just 16 schools,” Schilling said. “This is an inequitable, unjustified, ideological investment that epitomizes how privatization comes at the expense of public education.”

The ATA president added that some charter schools use admission criteria, IQ tests or performance assessments to restrict access, and many do not accept students with specialized learning needs. 

“Public funds should go to public education. Since 2013, real per-pupil funding for public education in Alberta has declined by 15 per cent,” Schilling stated. “Government funding to expand charter schools is simply an effort at privatization at the expense of our public education system, which is the first choice for 93 per cent of Alberta’s students.”

The ATA said charter schools should be incorporated as alternative programs within publicly governed and administered school boards and all teachers should be full and active members of a unified profession. 

— With files from Ashley Joannou

tdosser@postmedia.com

twitter.com/travisdosser

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MOF: Govt to establish high-level facilitation platform to oversee potential, approved strategic investments

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KUALA LUMPUR: A meeting with 70 financial fund investors and corporate members at the recently concluded Joint Investors Meeting in London has touched on the MADANI government’s immediate action to stimulate strategic investment in important technologies, according to the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

In a statement today, it said that the government is serious about making investments a national agenda through the establishment of a high-level investment facilitation platform to ensure the implementation of potential and approved strategic investments through a “Whole of Government” approach.

Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan (pix), who led the Malaysian delegation to the Joint Investors Meeting from April 20 to 22, said that the National Investment Council (MPN) chaired by the Prime Minister is an integrated action that reflects how serious the government is in making Malaysia an investment hub in the region.

Among the immediate actions taken by the government is establishing the National Semiconductor Strategic Committee (NSSTF) to facilitate cooperation between the government, industry players, universities, and relevant stakeholders to place the Malaysian semiconductor industry at the forefront and ensure the continued growth of the electronics & electrical industry, especially the semiconductor sector, as a major contributor to the Malaysian economy.

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The government also aims to empower Malaysia as a preferred green investment destination as well as remove barriers and bureaucracy in the provision and accessibility to renewable energy, especially for the new technology industry, including data centres, said Amir Hamzah.

He also said that the country’s investment prospects have reached an extraordinary level, with approved investments surging to RM329.5 billion in 2023 from RM268 billion in 2022.

He said about 74 per cent of manufacturing projects approved between 2021 and 2023 have been completed or are in process.

In addition, Amir Hamzah said the greater initial stage construction work completed in 2023 (RM31.5 billion) and 2022 (RM26.3 billion) shows a positive trend for future investment opportunities.

“From a total of 5,101 investment projects approved in 2023, as many as 81.2 per cent or 4,143 projects are in the services sector, 883 projects in the manufacturing sector, and 75 projects in other related sectors,” he said.

Before this, Amir Hamzah met with international investors in New York and Washington to clarify the direction of the implementation of the MADANI Economic framework to improve investors’ confidence in Malaysia’s economic level and strengthen the perception and investment sentiment of foreign investors towards the country.

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Want $1 Million in Retirement? Invest $15000 in These 3 Stocks

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Compound interest is a thing of magic. It’s also one of your best bets if you’re looking to retire rich.

It might take time and patience but there’s not a whole lot of heavy lifting when it comes to a buy-and-hold investment strategy. What matters most is having decades of time in front of you, which will allow you to maximize the benefits of compounded returns. And, of course, choosing the right investments is equally important.

The magic of compound interest

With a decent return, building a million-dollar portfolio might not be as hard as you think. An initial investment of $15,000, returning 15% annually, would be worth just shy of $1 million in 30 years.

First off, 30 years is a long time, which means you’ll need to be planning your retirement far in advance. However, all it takes is one initial investment of $15,000 and the right stocks to build a $1 million portfolio.

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Additionally, it’s important to remain realistic and acknowledge that a stock returning 15% annually is not exactly common. That being said, the TSX certainly has its share of dependable companies with track records of returning far more than just 15% per year.

I’ve put together a list of three Canadian stocks that are perfect for hands-off investors who are looking to retire rich.

Constellation Software

It will require a steep initial investment, but Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) is well worth its nearly $4,000-a-share price tag. When it comes to market-crushing returns, the tech stock has been in a league of its own over the past two decades.

Even as the company is now valued at a massive market cap of close to $80 billion, the impressive returns have continued. Shares are up more than 200% over the past five years. That’s good enough for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25%.

At a 25% annual return, a $15,000 investment would be worth a whopping $12 million in 30 years.

Descartes Systems

Descartes Systems (TSX:DSG) is another tech stock that’s no stranger to delivering market-beating returns. The company is also only valued at a market cap of $10 billion, leaving plenty of room for growth in the coming decades.

There’s a reason why Descartes Systems is one of the few tech stocks trading near all-time highs today. This stock is a proven winner, with lots of growth left in the tank.

Over the past five years, the stock has had a CAGR just shy of 20%.

goeasy

The last pick on my list is a beaten-down growth stock that’s trading at a serious discount.

The consumer-facing financial services provider has been hit by short-term headwinds from sky-high interest rates. With potential rate cuts around the corner though, now could be an excellent time to be loading up on goeasy (TSX:GSY).

Even with shares down 25% from all-time highs, the stock is still nearing a return of 300% over the past five years.

goeasy was crushing the market’s returns before the recent spike in interest rates, and there’s no reason to believe why the company won’t continue to do so for years to come.

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FLAGSHIP COMMUNITIES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF APPROXIMATELY US

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TORONTO, April 24, 2024 /CNW/ – Flagship Communities Real Estate Investment Trust (the “REIT” or “Flagship“) (TSX: MHC.U) (TSX: MHC.UN) announced today that it has completed its previously announced public offering (the “Offering“) of 3,910,000 trust units (the “Units“) on a bought deal basis at a price of US$15.35 per Unit for total gross proceeds to the REIT of approximately US$60 million.

The Offering was completed through a syndicate of underwriters co-led by BMO Capital Markets and Canaccord Genuity Corp.

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The REIT intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to fund a portion of the approximately US$93 million aggregate purchase price for the REIT’s previously announced acquisition of seven manufactured housing communities comprising 1,253 lots (the “Acquisitions“) and for general business purposes. In the event the REIT is unable to consummate one or both of the Acquisitions, the REIT intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund future acquisitions and for general business purposes.

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The REIT has also granted the underwriters an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 586,500 Units on the same terms and conditions, exercisable at any time, in whole or in part, up to 30 days after the date hereof.

About Flagship Communities Real Estate Investment Trust

Flagship Communities Real Estate Investment Trust is a leading operator of affordable residential Manufactured Housing Communities primarily serving working families seeking affordable home ownership. The REIT owns and operates exceptional residential living experiences and investment opportunities in family-oriented communities in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois. To learn more about Flagship, visit www.flagshipcommunities.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that include forward-looking information (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws). Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “project”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “will”, “may”, “can”, “could”, “would”, “must”, “estimate”, “target”, “objective”, and other similar expressions, or negative versions thereof, and include statements herein concerning the use of the net proceeds of the Offering.

These forward-looking statements are based on the REIT’s expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections, as well as assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in such forward-looking statements. While considered reasonable by management of the REIT as at the date of this news release, any of these expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, or assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, or assumptions could be incorrect. Material factors and assumptions used by management of the REIT to develop the forward-looking information in this news release include, but are not limited to, that the conditions to closing of the Acquisitions will be met or waived in a timely manner and that both of the Acquisitions will be completed on the current agreed upon terms.

When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the REIT cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as they are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. A number of factors, many of which are beyond the REIT’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, such as the risks identified in the REIT’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 available on the REIT’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” therein and the risk of the REIT’s plans with respect to debt bridge financing for the Acquisitions not being achieved as anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and, except as expressly required by applicable Canadian securities laws, the REIT assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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