New Brunswick — Education Minister Dominic Cardy recently introduced a bill that would allow teachers to make psychological assessments of students. The College of Psychologists of New Brunswick has said that it would be “dangerous” for kids to be assessed by unqualified workers.
Cardy has dismissed these claims, saying that his critics must be “crazy or something.”
“We offered them the chance to say their piece earlier in the process. I don’t know if they’re depressed, expressing anti-social behaviour, or what, but they didn’t want to participate.”
The College’s president, Dr. Calvin Thomas, said that the minister is just looking for a reason to not pay school psychologists.
“Who said that? Calvin? Oh, he’s definitely on the ‘spectrum,’ if you ask me. Way far down,” said Cardy, with a definitive nod of the head.
“Next you’re going to tell me that a teacher can’t tell if a kid is gay,” he added, wearing an exasperated expression. “I mean, come on. What are we supposed to do in that case? Buy professional-grade gaydars for every classroom? With what money?”
Ignoring this bit of trademark Cardy combativeness, one reporter piped up.
“Does it matter? Shouldn’t the school be working to meet the needs of its students, regardless of what those might be?”
Cardy seemed to weigh this question for a moment, looking down at his notes and scratching his chin. Finally he looked up and responded with carefully chosen words.
“What a psychotic question.”