Ontario premier worries about student's eduction

By:JustinSchuck

Ontario’s Premier, Dalton McGuinty is asking for teachers to reinstall extra-circular activities. McGuinty has encouraged teachers to keep their fight against the government in courts as opposed to in the classroom, where innocent students are affected.

            McGuinty believes that extra-curricular activities are an important part of an enriched educational experience. McGunity’s comments was raised after the Globe and Mail reported that it could be longer than two years until students will have sports teams, clubs, field trips and after-school help. These cuts are in response to the dispute currently held between teachers and the Liberal government.

            While many students have attempted to protest these cuts by walking out of their classrooms, it is unlikely that their actions will show any results.

Educational Minister, Laurel Broten, has the power to prevent teachers from striking, however, Broten does not have the power to force them to continue their unpaid extra-curricular activities.

            Teachers are not likely to reestablish extra-curricular until the government’s current contract term expires in the fall of 2014.

            Many students fear that their lack of extra-curricular will effect college applications. Jurisidctions in Canada and the United States have rewarded teachers who continue with extra-curricular with pay or time-off. While the Mike Harris government suggested making these acitivies part of teacher’s work day, unions did not agree.