Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario: Statement to the Legislative Assembly


Premier Celebrates Education Week

May 2, 2007

Mr. Speaker, this week, we celebrate Education Week in Ontario.

I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize our partners in education.

The parents for helping out with homework, making the lunches and taking an active interest in what's going on at school.

The students for doing their best in their studies, getting involved in school activities, and always dreaming about what's next.

The school support staff for playing their essential and invaluable role in enhancing the quality of the learning environment in our schools.

The principals and administrators for their leadership, and for giving students a guiding hand and a sympathetic ear.

And of course, I also want to thank our teachers.

Ontario's teachers are among the most energetic, passionate, and optimistic people I can think of.

I often say that Ontario is a province of great teachers.

I know that because when we offered them enhanced training, on an optional basis, and on their own time, they packed the place.

I know that because when we asked them to embrace change, and work with us, on behalf of our kids, they met us with open minds and tremendous professionalism.

I know that because we set the bar high for student achievement, and student performance is improving, year after year after year.

Earlier today, Mr Speaker, I recognized the very first award winners of the Premier's Awards for Teaching Excellence.

These awards are yet another symbol of our commitment to supporting and celebrating excellence in our public schools.

And, Mr. Speaker, our award winners are with us in the gallery today — I'm sure all members will join me in congratulating them, and thanking them.

I feel privileged to work with all our education partners, and I want to thank them for all they do, day in and day out.

Working together we've come a long way in three and a half years.

Before we started, public education was a combat zone.

Teachers were demoralized and the education of our students was suffering.

In short order, we rolled up our sleeves and got down to work.

And in just three and one half years, working together, we've turned education around and we're getting results we can be proud of.

Together, we worked to achieve labour peace.

The result?

There hasn't been a single teachers' strike since 2003.

Together, we wanted to come up with a way to keep our 16 and 17 year olds engaged, no matter their learning style.

The result?

Our new Learning to 18 law, giving young people the opportunity to reach their potential either through co-op programs, apprenticeships or work placements.

Together, we wanted to get class sizes down and test scores up.

The result?

We've reduced primary class sizes and now 93% of them have 23 students or fewer, and test scores are rising, year after year.

Together, we knew we needed more teachers to give our children more attention.

The result?

There are thousands of new teachers — each bringing a fresh enthusiasm — and we've added a million new textbooks.

Together we wanted to fix our school buildings to make them safer, cleaner and better for learning.

The result?

Thousands of schools are being repaired and new schools are being built.

Together, we've worked to make our schools safer because we owe it to our families to make sure the kids will be safe at school.

And I'm pleased to report that schools themselves are working together to share their best practices and support each other.

The bottom line is that, together, we're getting results …

And there is still more to do.

Mr. Speaker, continuing to move forward together means believing that public education is the best education.

It means supporting our public school educators and strengthening our public school system.

It means ensuring that public dollars fund public education and only public education, the system that educates 95% of Ontario's children.

And I'm proud to report that we have invested more in public education in three and a half years than the previous government did in eight.

Our success in public education is only possible because of the dedication of our education partners and the continuing support of Ontarians for their school system.

Mr. Speaker, we all agree: our children are our most precious resource.

Giving them the best public education builds the foundation for a strong economy supported by the best workers and a caring society supported by the best citizens.

This week, we celebrate how far we've come in public education, while keeping an eye on all there is left to do.

If we keep working, building and dreaming together, there is nothing we can't accomplish for our children and our province.

Thank you.