Peace and Stability for Our Students
July 9, 2008
This government believes in publicly funded education as its most important investment in the future. We will continue to support a climate of peace and progress – this is vital to student achievement and to the future of our province.
One of our great successes as a government has been to rebuild positive relationships with the education sector. We have worked hard to create a learning environment where all educators and education support staff are appreciated and valued – and where all students are better able to achieve their full potential.
Boards, educators and education support staff in Ontario's publicly funded education system are our valued partners. They keep our schools clean and safe. They help struggling students, and they give all students the supports they need to embrace learning.
On August 31, 2008, most of the 475 collective agreements in our publicly funded schools expired. That is why we have facilitated discussions with trustee associations, teacher federations and unions across the province to resolve issues of provincial interest and explore new, four-year framework agreements.
These discussions have helped resolve common issues and keep our shared goal – improved student achievement – in sight, and supported the negotiations of four-year local collective agreements.
Four-year provincial framework agreements have now been reached between all unions and trustee associations. With the successful conclusion of local collective agreements, these will deliver peace and progress with improved student achievement, safer and healthier learning and working environments and positive labour relations at all levels of the education sector.
Together, we will continue to build the best possible publicly funded education system – one that inspires confidence in our communities and success in our students.
Kathleen Wynne
Minister of Education
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