Ontario education minister stays upbeat as teacher contract talks stall and new schools open

At a Thursday news conference, Education Minister Paul Calandra reiterated his confidence that a teachers' contract agreement can be reached, emphasizing the need for certainty for educators, families and learners. He also unveiled plans for 35 new or expanded schools, adding 18,000 student seats and over 1,000 child-care spaces. Union heads, such as Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario president David Mastin and Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation president Martha Hradowy, criticized the province for pushing most bargaining topics to a central table, a move they say undermines local school board authority.

This central-local split has been sent to the Ontario Labour Relations Board, effectively pausing talks. Despite the impasse, Mastin noted that unions are more united this year and urged the public to support efforts to safeguard public education. Calandra warned that prolonged negotiations could affect the upcoming school year and stressed the ministry’s focus on student achievement.