Let me remind the member opposite that children in this province should have rights too, and they should be in school in this province.

Mr. Speaker, we have been clear—

Interjections.

We have an obligation to ensure stability. We asked the union to bring forth a proposal that withdraws a strike on Friday. We gave them multiple opportunities to do so, and yesterday night, at 10 p.m., hearing from the mediator and through the mediator—

Interjection.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Mr. Speaker, so long as the union regrettably proceeds with this unacceptable strike, the government will have no choice but to proceed with legislation to avert a strike and keep these kids in the classroom, where they belong.

Interjection.

The member for Davenport will come to order. The member for Toronto–St. Paul’s will come to order. The member for Ottawa Centre will come to order.

The Premier has the floor.

Interjections.

So once again, if you repeatedly ignore the request of the Speaker to come to order, I will move to warnings, and we know what happens after that if you ignore that, okay?

Start the clock. Supplementary.

Final supplementary?

The member will withdraw his unparliamentary comment.

Interjections.

I will ask the member once again to withdraw his unparliamentary comment.

Mr. Tabuns was escorted from the chamber.

Interjections.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Interjection.

MPP West was escorted from the chamber.

Interjections.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Ms. Stiles was escorted from the chamber.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Interjection.

MPP Andrew was escorted from the chamber.

To reply, the Minister of Education.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Ms. Fife was escorted from the chamber.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Mr. Gates was escorted from the chamber.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Ms. Karpoche was escorted from the chamber.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Mrs. Gretzky was escorted from the chamber.

Interjections.

Member for Ottawa Centre, come to order. If you persist, you will be named.

Interjection.

Mr. Harden was escorted from the chamber.

Interjection.

MPP Vaugeois was escorted from the chamber.

Minister of Education.

Supplementary question.

We have been clear: We believe children should be in the classroom. They have to be in school every day, after two years of disruption and the strikes that preceded it just a few years ago.

We brought forth a reasonable, fair offer to the union: 10% over four years, maintaining benefits and pensions and sick leave, which most people in this economy do not have. Even with that said, we told the union, “Rescind this strike on Friday that impacts every single—

Interjection.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Interjections.

Mr. Speaker, it was over a decade ago that the former Liberal government consented in a union negotiation to a regressive regulation called O. Reg. 274, a regulation that permitted exclusive hiring and promotion in Ontario based on seniority—

Interruption.

Interruption.

We believe new educators, young educators and those with the qualifications should triumph in hiring, not someone who’s simply been in the union the longest. This is about quality. This is about ensuring the best staff member could inspire a child. That’s why we removed this regulation, which even the former Liberal Premier agreed went too far. The Ontario Principals’ Council said they supported it, parents support it, and the government will continue to do everything possible to enshrine quality in the schools of this province.

Supplementary question?

Mr. Burch, you are named. You will leave the chamber for the day.

Mr. Burch was escorted from the chamber.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Interjection.

Mr. Kernaghan was escorted from the chamber.