Mr. Speaker, our government is unyielding in our commitment to keep kids in the classroom. That is the most important thing we can do. Children have faced perhaps some of the most difficulty in modern history. Their mental and physical health, their social and emotional development, and their academic success are at risk.

The union confirmed yesterday that they’re on a path to a strike, effective this Friday, and so yesterday the government reached out to this specific union with the intent of offering a better deal: 10% over four years, maintaining the best pension and benefits and 131 days of sick leave in this country. That is a reasonable offer, because nothing should come in the way of a child’s right to learn.

It has been so difficult for children, and that’s why we’re standing up. We’re making it clear we will do everything possible to keep kids in the classroom.

Our workers do important work in our schools. We value what they do. It’s why we’re offering them an increase every single year over the course of their program. We said to them yesterday, “Work with us. Rescind your commitment to strike on Friday and bargain to get a deal.” They decided that they’re going to proceed with a strike on Friday, imposing further hardship on children who have faced unprecedented difficulty in this province. This government believes children should be in school, and we will stand up to ensure they remain there, without disruption, right to June.