The Minister of Transportation and Works says the possibility of buying land for a new Francophone school in the metro region is not off the table.

Steve Crocker was responding to questions surrounding the cost of buying land versus the use of existing government land for the construction of a new French-language school.

It had previously been indicated that the new school could be built in Galway, but questions remain about whether or not that is the most cost-effective option.

Minister Crocker says while an RFP is going out in the coming weeks to look at existing properties, including Holy Cross and the School for the Deaf, the idea of buying new land is not off the table.

He says they’re looking at all possibilities to provide the best value to the people of the province.

Also being considered is the cost involved in upgrading existing facilities.

Meanwhile, both the PCs and NDP say they are not opposed to buying land for a new Francophone school, as long as it is done right.

The PC member for Bonavista, Criag Pardy, says he believes a study of existing structures should be done first. He says an analysis of existing structures should be done first, then it can be decided if land needs to be purchased.

The NDP’s Jim Dinn says government needs to make a decision on where the new school should be based on the needs of students and teachers, and that government should not build a new school if an existing structure can meet those needs.

He says both are viable options, and that it all comes down to which will best meet the needs of those using the facility.