Following the Edmonton Catholic school board’s announcement that it was calling off all overseas field trips for students, Federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale argued that there is no real reason for schools to cancel the trips.
"To the best of my knowledge at this moment, there is there is nothing that would particularly provoke that kind of a response," he remarked.
Goodale additionally pointed out that such reactions are exactly what terrorists are expecting, and that the country should not give in to abuse and threat. He also urged everyone to behave prudently when it comes to traveling abroad.
As of this writing, the Edmonton Catholic School Board has yet to comment on Goodale’s statement.
On the other hand, the Edmonton Public Schools Board announced that it would decide on foreign trips on a case-to-case basis, after they have been re-reviewed, scrutinized, and re-evaluated.
The decision to approve carefully-reviewed trips took into account the concerns and opinions of both parents and staff over the past few days, said superintendent Darrel Robertson.
The final decisions on individual trips will be made after the school authorities have consulted with the federal government's travel advice, as well as advisories issued by destination countries, and travel and insurance experts. Input from parents, staff, and chaperone will also be considered during the review process.
