The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River is hopeful an agreement can be reached with Ontario’s teachers sooner rather than later.
Greg Rickford was in Kenora during the one-day walk-out by members of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation on Wednesday.
He says the government has put its best foot forward.
“The province has been fair, reasonable and student-focused,” says Rickford. “We believe that students should remain in the classroom. We believe that’s what parents want and we’ve made a number of major concessions.”
Rickford believes the main issue is a wage increase.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce commented earlier this week that the government has offered a wage increase worth a combined $750 million. He’s stated the union’s request will cost the system double that. OSSTF argues it only amounts to a $200-thousand increase.
The union adds its main issues are class size and e-learning.
