QUEEN’S PARK – Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to the release of figures showing that the Premier’s government has a $2.1 billion surplus, is increasing the “catchup” payments to parents from $225 million to $365 million and yet still refusing to scrap Bill 124.
“The government touting a $2.1 billion surplus at a time when our healthcare system is in crisis, Bill 124 caps wages and some education workers make $30,000 a year, is a slap in the face to people working hard to care for our loved ones..
The increased payout to parents will do nothing to help Ontario students learn in a stable, safe classroom environment this year and is designed to distract attention from the government’s record of funding cuts and failing contract negotiations with education workers. It is a transparent bid to pit teachers against parents.
How the government can be proud of a $2.1 billion surplus when ERs are closing amid staffing shortages is beyond me.
I call on the government to immediately repeal Bill 124 and invest money where it is needed most – in our schools, in our hospitals, and in the people who work in them.”