MPP Steve Clark joined Mayors Doug Malanka, David Nash and Pat Sayeau and me tonight in Merrickville.  Minister of Education Mitzie Hunter was hosting the first of ten public consultations on “Strengthening Education in Ontario’s Rural and Remote communities.”.  The message was loud and clear from the participants.  This consultation is too little too late after the school closings announced last month and the Minister was urged to put a 1 year moratorium on school closings while this consultation occurs and recommendations are prepared and considered by the government.