After a very long weekend brought on by a two-day walkout by Ontario education workers, students returned to school on Tuesday, much to the relief of parents and caregivers.
Read more: Kingston, Ont. students return to class as CUPE negotiations resume
Read more
-
Kingston, Ontario students return to class as CUPE negotiations resume
“It’s obviously positive that they’re back at the negotiating table,” says father Chris Evans. “I think that sent a pretty strong message to the Ford government that the right way to handle this would be to have a proper negotiation and try to get a deal that’s fair to everyone involved.”
Grandparents Carolyn and Harley Smyth say their grandchildren are excited about the return to routine.
“It’s wonderful and they’re delighted,” says Carolyn.
“It’s a happy example of goodwill on both sides,” Harley continues.
Story continues below ad
As CUPE workers and government representatives return to negotiations, CUPE has warned that there is no more strike action yet.
trending now
-
Canadian intelligence warned PM Trudeau that China covertly funded 2019 election candidates: sources
-
Ford says the “enhanced offer” is on offer in CUPE for lower education workers
“I’m hoping they can give us some advance notice and let us know what the plan is as things go along,” says Kingston’s mother, Sarah Yakimwski.
Meanwhile, Kingston and the Islands MP Ted Hsu is set to return to Queen’s Park next week for a vote to end Bill 28, the Ford government’s controversial legislation to outlaw marching.
“The bill to cancel the previous Bill 28 will be introduced next Monday, as I understand it,” says Hsu. “It will have an agreement from all parties, it will happen very quickly. And I’m looking forward to canceling the bill I voted against in the first place.”
Read more: Kingston Health Sciences Center launches annual teddy bear drive
Hsu says he believes another strike can be prevented, now that negotiators on both sides are on equal footing, without Bill 28.
“It’s up to Doug Ford to negotiate in good faith and reach a fair deal with education workers,” Hsu says. “And that’s what’s going to keep schools open and keep our kids in school and learning.”
Story continues below ad
For now, a sense of normalcy is returning to classrooms, something all parties hope will last.
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.