Calgary MLA wants province to stop funding private schools

A Calgary MLA wants the province to stop funding private schools.

Liberal Kent Hehr, who represents Calgary Buffalo,says the province could save up to $50 million a year by stopping the subsidies.

Hehr says public funds shouldn't prop up private institutions that compete with the public system.

"I believe our public school system is an excellent place for kids to learn," hesaid."If people do not want to take part in the public school system, that is their right. But it's not a corresponding right for the taxpayers to fund that choice for a religious or cultural option."

Hehr says Alberta is one of only five provinces in Canada that subsidizes private students.

He'll introduce his private member'smotion on the topic in the Alberta legislature Monday.