Ontario teachers and education workers begin contract talks with province

Education bargaining season is heating up in Ontario. Teachers and education workers announced Wednesday they've served notice to bargain with the province, with contracts expiring in August across public elementary, secondary, Catholic, and French schools. Smaller class sizes are a top priority. David Mastin, president of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario, says unions will propose reducing class sizes in kindergarten and Grades 4 to 8, pointing to the stability and improved learning outcomes that existing caps in Grades 1 to 3 have provided. Martha Hradowy, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, says high school class sizes are too large—a problem deepened by de-streaming, which she says came without sufficient supports or resources from the government. Other union priorities include improved special education funding and higher wages. Education Minister Paul Calandra said earlier this week he expects tough negotiations but a collaborative relationship with the unions.