Mr. Speaker, we insist that kids are in class. We believe we are here because CUPE decided on Sunday to put this province on a strike footing for Friday, and that is unacceptable. These kids have paid enough of a price with the pandemic and the recent strikes just three years ago.

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We have an obligation to keep kids in the classroom. I urge the members opposite to stand up for kids and work with this government to keep kids in class, where they belong.

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Mr. Speaker, we never walked away from the negotiating table, but the union is walking away from two million children this Friday and it is unacceptable. The government has—

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We need kids in school; every parent knows this. Our government will deliver on a plan and a promise to provide stability for kids who have endured so much from this pandemic. I urge the members opposite to stand up for kids and vote for this bill.

The Premier is right: There is one party in this House that is standing up for kids on the backdrop of a never-ending strike in the province of Ontario.

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I urge the members to have the courage of their convictions, stand up for their constituents and vote for stability in the classroom.

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In addition to providing investments in our schools, we are increasing salaries every year, 10% over four years; maintaining a pension and the best health benefits, 131 days of sick leave; and absolute job security that many people watching could only dream of.

Mr. Speaker, we want kids in the classroom. We believe they have a right to learn and we will stand up for their parents—the million parents—who deserve this government to get the job done and provide stability for the people we all represent.

Let’s be clear: The average worker makes $27 an hour—in Toronto it’s north of $32, Mr. Speaker.

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