IMPRINT,
Friday,
October
17, 1997
5
NEWS
Provincial cabinet shuffle Ontariogets new Ministerof Education by Adam Imprint
Natran staff
I
n an attempt to avoid a possible teachers’ strike by theend of the month, the Ontario governmcnt announced changes in the composition of the cabinet on Friday, October 10. John Snobelcn, former Minister of Education and Training, was moved to the Ministry of Natural Resources, while David Johnson, chairman of the Management Board, took over the education portfolio. In addition, Waterloo North MPP Elizabeth Witmer replaced Jim Wilson as Health Minister. Recent opinion polls show that the popularity of the Progressive Conservatives is declining. One unofficial poll placed support at below 30 per cent. Respondents express their greatest concern in the areas of education and health. After the swearing-in ceremonies, David Johnson appeared enthusiastic and energetic. He expects to implement long-term change to attain “a higher level of excellence in the future.” The Minister is certain that an agreement can be reached between the union leaders and the government. Although the shuffling of the cabinet is meant to address a
threatening teachers’ strike, university education is affected as well. According to Jeff Gardner, Vice President, Education for the UW Feds, the Harris government was not expected to announce any changes until January. Before that time, the Ministry of Education had planned. to focus on postsecondary education. While debate continues with secondary school teachers, matters impor-
0 nson aims Jh for a higher level of excellence in the future.
tant to university students are pushed aside. However, Gardner remains optimistic that long-term benefits might surface. If Johnson is prepared to work with teachers to arrive at some solution, he may be willing to work with the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance and other organizacions on tuition, loan programs and other university concerns. Teachers’ representatives applaud the Harris government for
removingSnobelen from the Education portfolio. John Ryrie, Waterloo regional president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, expresses hope that David Johnson may “give us an opportunity to start a real dialogue to improve education in this province.” Similarly, Marshall Jar+, president of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association, believes that more productive and relevant discussions will occur now that Snobelen no longer represents the government’s position on the issue, However, there are no guarantees that an eventual strike can be avoided. The fundamental problem lies with portions of Bill 160. In particular, the bill permits the Ontario government to determine class size and increase the amount of time that students and teachers spend in the classroom. The various teachers’ organizations want to set these policiesat the Iocai level. Moreover, critics of the bill argue that it is an excuse to cut $1 billion and 10,000 teachers from the education system. Earl Manners, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teacher’s Federation, claims, “If the government is just trying to change the face in hopes that will take pressure off the bill. . .that’s a sad mistake.”
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ngered by the changes proposed to the education system, more than 2,000 students from area high schools met at Kitchener City Hall on October 8. The students say that Bill 160 translates into poor quality education through larger classes, less funding and less experienced teachers. Students from several Waterloo high schools met at Waterloo Town Square and marched to Kitchener City Hall to meet with Kitchener students. Individuals came prepared with placards, flyers, a megaphone and an abundance of energy. Participants felt the walk-out was a complete victory. There were no incidents of violence during the three- hour demonstration. Frank Johnson, principal of Waterloo’s St. David’s Secondary School, was displeased with the students’ choice of action. “They could be walking out for any reason, like more gravy on their fries. Where does it stop?”
“They say cut back; we say fight back.” such actions and that students could have a greater effect by working with the system. As an alternative, he suggested a mass faxing campaign. Bernie Farwell, principal at St. Mary’s Secondary School, described this and similar walk-outs as disruptive to the education of students remaining in the classroom. As such, St. Mary’s stu-
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Faculty dents were advised not to attend the protest on penalty of suspension. Although some students walked out despite the threat, no disciplinary action has been taken at this time. Chants of “What do we want? Education! When do we want it? Now!” and “They say cut back; we say fight back!” echoed through the downtown core as students marched from Kitchener City Hall to Kitchener MPP Wayne Wettlaufer’s office. The university system in Ontario is facing similar restructuring at the hands of both the federal and provincial governments. Despite student occupations at eight Ontario universities this past winter, there has been no public action from University of Waterloo students. High school students are organizing another demonstration, this time outside of school hours. On Wednesday, October 15 at 4 p.m., university and high school students alike are encouraged to meet at the Victoria Park Clock Tower for a demonstration on the theme “It’s your education.”
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Students walk out in support of teachers Others criticized the protesters for walking out of class rather than protesting outside of school hours. St. David’s stude.nt Sarah Done responded with, “Class time i; our time. We are taking responsibility for educating ourselves today.” Johnson countered that the government is not receptive to
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