In fact, I think you’ll agree Tim, that I have been a strong and consistent voice for public education and access to it since I was elected. Our caucus has pressed that children have a right to an education. /2
We have pressed for a plan for parents so that we don’t see the continuing trend of women’s disappearance from the workforce as families are forced to decide between work and childcare. /3
I have done intvus with every major media outlet in the province, including 95.7 today and @globalnews tomorrow. I passed a motion with all party support in the Human Resources Cttee to ensure that workplaces accommodate parents who need flexibility due to lack of childcare. /3
Today we released a statement reiterating the need for a plan for return to school, and for that plan to centre the needs of the diverse learners in our system, many of whom have suffered disproportionally in this period due to the disappearance of supports in March. /5
Why have we done all of this? To amplify the voices of families and teachers across the Province who need to know what comes next. Now. To impress upon the government in every way we can that women and children cannot be ignored. /6
That children have the right to an education, and that there is no recovery without a shecovery. To impress upon the government, over and over again (apparently people listen more if you repeat yourself?).../7
...that given the lack of virus in Nova Scotia right now, all appropriate plans and investments must be made to ensure that kids and teachers can return to school safely this fall. Other jurisdictions are doing it safely, we can too. /8
If we can spend $230M on roads and bridges, we can spend the money to make our schools safe. /9
What we have NOT done is stage a media event to release a plan made in our caucus office with no real consultation with parents or teachers or the NSTU. Why? Because that’s not the best use of our efforts. There are hundreds of public servants whose job this is. /10
Our focus has been on illuminating for the Premier that he must empower and fund those folks to do the work needed to get kids back to school. Because we are not in government, and last time I checked, neither is @nspc. /11
Next time, please don’t call us out when you haven’t done your homework. /end
This thread came urolled—but I think the gist is clear.
