The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River stresses the goal of the government and parents is to keep kids in the classroom.
Greg Rickford is responding to the ongoing labour dispute with provincial teachers.
“We believe now that the sole issue is around pay. We have been clear with the broader public service around what that expectation is and we’re hopeful that the teachers will engage in good faith bargaining in this critical window that we’re entering now and a settlement can be reached.”
The government says it has offered a $750 million increase to the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation, but stresses the union is doubling that, demanding $1.5-billion.
Rickford says the province has been fair, responsible and student focused.
He says the government has made a number of concessions at the bargaining table.
