As negotiations resumed with the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association Wednesday, Liz Sandals said the province has been ”working hard” to try and reach a deal with the various unions before the new school year starts next month.
The education minister says, ”Everybody is very focused on making sure we do get agreements so there won’t be disruptions in the fall. I have a sense of a good feeling coming back to the table.”
The union representing public high school teachers has agreed to return to bargaining August 18 and 19.
Although no dates have yet been set with elementary teachers, Sandals says there have been informal discussions.
She admits getting final agreements is always hard but points out much of that hard work’s already been done.
”It isn’t like we now have a few days and we have to do everything.”