SAINT JOHN, N.B. - New Brunswick parents angry over the cancellation of early French immersion in the province are seeking a judicial review of the government decision.

Michael Wilcott of the parent group Citizens for Educational Choice said Wednesday the provincial Liberal government denied parents due process when the French immersion program was suddenly axed, so they will try to get a hearing through the courts.

The New Brunswick government has been criticized for basing its decision to eliminate early French immersion on research that is inadequate and flawed. Claims that a single system will help close the gap in academic performance between New Brunswick students and those in other provinces have been questioned. Concerned parents have accused the government of using their children as guinea pigs in a grand social experiment with uncertain consequences.

I want to thank the people who organized the Provincial Citizens for Education Choice meeting which was held in Fredericton last week.

Hassan Arif's commentary in Wednesday's Telegraph-Journal seeks to explain away the growing opposition to the provincial Liberal government with a simple cliché - "that is the nature of governing-" and the Liberals appear to take this to their comfort.

Our school system is becoming like a dictatorship. It appears New Brunswick's memory is slipping.

Citizens for Educational Choice is an umbrella group for a number of local coalitions that have formed across the province since the government initiated drastic changes in the education system on March 14, 2008. Over the past month, CEC has studied the changes and their likely outcomes. The following is the other side of the story associated with five key issues raised by the government.

I have heard that the vocal outrage has become more serious and quiet... Another one of my friends, in the Military stationed at Gagetown, says its caused quite a concern. Families have considered refusing postings to New Brunswick and others have asked to leave the province early.

With the fate of Debec Elementary School resting in his hands, the Education Minister says he has a tough decision to make – one which won't be made lightly.

Last month as part of Policy 409, District 14 Education Council (DEC) recommended the closure of the small rural school in favour of two new kindergarten to Grade 8 schools. Minister Kelly Lamrock has final say on the matter.

In southeastern New Brunswick, getting a seat on the district education councils has proved not to be so tough.

From Sussex Corner to St. Stephen, there will only be 10 elections on Monday to fill 36 DEC positions to manage schools.

I was recently in my friend's kitchen in northern Sweden discussing the education systems in our countries. My friend knows something about the subject, even beyond her experiences with her four children. She is the vice dean of the faculty of education at Umea University.