NSTU eager to work with new Premier and Minister on key issues

February 23, 2021

NSTU eager to work with new Premier and Minister on key issues

Halifax, NS — NSTU President Paul Wozney is eager to collaborate with incoming Premier Iain Rankin and the new Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, Derek Mombourquette, on major issues affecting the province’s public education system.

“I want to congratulate the new Premier and his cabinet and I look forward to working with them to address the challenges facing our schools,” says Wozney. “While we won’t always agree, I believe we all want what’s best for students and their teachers. With a renewed sense of cooperation and transparency, needed progress can be achieved.”

Wozney says keeping schools safe from COVID-19 needs to remain a top focus but urgent action is also needed to improve the Inclusive Education model and reduce child poverty levels across Nova Scotia.

“Given the recent surge of COVID-19 in Newfoundland, it’s clear that we can’t become complacent. Much more still needs to be done to keep schools safe,” said Wozney. “That said, there are other chronic problems that have only grown worse during the pandemic that require attention.”

Wozney is encouraged the new Premier has identified reducing income inequality as a priority. He is also optimistic government will renew its commitment to implementing the recommendations from the Commission on Inclusive Education.

“The inclusive education plan is way behind schedule and as a result the needs of far too many students are still not being met. This work needs to get back on track and the NSTU is 100% willing to partner with government to implement needed reforms.”