I had about 700 or 800 education workers show up at my office a little while ago. They signed these petitions and asked that I read them and submit them, which I’m happy to do.

A petition “to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario: Negotiate in Good Faith with Education Workers.

“Whereas the government has launched an unprecedented attack against democratic rights of workers to collectively bargain and to strike; and

“Whereas the government’s refusal to adequately fund our public education system at the appropriate levels to provide a high-quality service has resulted in staffing shortages and a lack of supports available for students who need them when they need them; and

“Whereas the government has the power to invest in public education so that our kids can get the education they deserve, and the workers who make schools run can have a decent standard of living and safe working conditions;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“Immediately repeal Bill 28 and Bill 124; and

“Negotiate in good faith with education workers through their union;

“Invest the funds necessary in public education to address the staffing crisis and support children’s learning.”

Speaker, I wholeheartedly support this. I will affix my signature and send it to the table with Mabel.