All public schools in Ontario are closed today (Feb. 21st) as part of a one day strike by the four teacher unions. Hundreds of education workers from all across Renfrew County are gathered in Pembroke this morning for a protest outside the office of MPP John Yakabuski. The local Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) President, Christian Sell, says they would much rather be in the classroom, but are standing up for public education in the province.
Sell says teachers are being bussed from Arnprior, Renfrew and Opeongo to Pembroke for the protest. Between 400 and 500 teachers and education workers are expected to take part in the rally. Retired teacher of over 20-years, Bill Grubb, says he’s out today supporting his former colleagues. He says the solution to the ongoing negotiations could be as simple as a single school system for teachers and kids.
Grubb says the government needs to realize the importance of public education. Today marks the first time in over 23-years all schools in the province will be closed with 200,000 education workers off the job and close to 2-million students out of class. Teacher unions are fighting against cuts to education, increased class sizes, mandatory e-learning and a decrease in support for vulnerable students. Education Minister Stephen Lecce says union leaders continue to organize further disruption while the government remains focused on getting a deal done to ensure students are learning each and every day.