For Immediate Release
January 19, 2009
Tory, PC MPPs call on McGuinty Liberals to introduce back-to-work legislation
(Toronto, ON) ? York University students are right to expect the McGuinty Liberals to stand up and fight for their education, said Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Leader John Tory today.
?Enough is enough. It?s time for the government to step in and get these students back in the classroom,? said Tory. ?We?re now dangerously close to losing the entire school year, yet Ontario?s self-proclaimed ?Education Premier? has done next to nothing to end this situation.?
Tory along with Training, Colleges and Universities Critic Jim Wilson (Simcoe-Grey) and MPP Peter Shurman (Thornhill) spoke to the media after meeting with York University students to discuss the impact of the ongoing strike which is now in its eleventh week. Repeating his earlier comments, Tory said the PC Party is in favour of recalling the Legislature and introducing back-to-work legislation in order to immediately resolve the strike if the contract is not approved.
?We urge striking contract faculty to accept the latest offer,? said Tory. ?If this offer is not accepted the McGuinty Government must finally do the right thing, recall the Legislature and save what is left of this school year.?
?So far Dalton McGuinty?s track record in Ontario is that of failure - he has failed Ontario on the economy and with his refusal to act in this situation he is now failing York University students as well,? said Shurman.
During the meeting, students expressed concerns about the impact this strike will have on their school year, graduation plans, financial resources and employment opportunities. To date, no Canadian student has ever lost a full school year because of a faculty strike.
"This speaks volumes to Dalton McGuinty?s failed leadership,? said Wilson. ?He is refusing to act while 50,000 students fear the loss of their school year and wonder how they will possibly make ends meet if the strike is allowed to continue. It?s completely irresponsible and this government should be ashamed.?
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For more information:
Jennifer Reid
(416) 325-1330
Michelle Pennell
(416) 325-9109