Growing opposition to Liberal education reforms, McNeil should pause Glaze report changes

HALIFAX – With the announcement of the results of yesterday’s vote, Nova Scotia teachers have clearly added their voice to those who have lost confidence in the McNeil government’s approach to the education system.

“We would not be in the current situation had the Liberal government not insisted on moving forward with these dramatic changes to the education system without talking to parents, teachers, and other community members,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “Teachers and the public don’t trust this government’s capacity to act in the best interest of students.”

Last night, the NDP Caucus held a telephone town hall meeting attended by thousands of Nova Scotians. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and other stakeholders raised concerns about the lack of consultation on the major changes the Liberals are proposing. Now families are facing disruption in the school system for the second year in a row.

“I have heard from parents, teachers, students, administrators and many other stakeholders, all of whom are concerned about the Liberal’s hasty rollout of changes based on the Glaze report,” said Claudia Chender, NDP Spokesperson for Education and Early Childhood Development. “What students need is a government that will listen and act in their best interest.”

Over the last week groups such as Equal Voice, the Black Educators Association and international education experts have voiced concerns that the reforms proposed in the Glaze report will have significant negative impacts on our public education system and should be reconsidered.

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