The Tories have walked back their controversial decision to exclude the union from appearing as witnesses at an upcoming public accounts committee meeting on violence in schools.
The Tories had used their majority on the committee to select one witness, the deputy minister of education. The decision was met with harsh criticism from opposition leaders, who accused the government of attempting to silence debate on increasing violence in schools and avoiding negative press.School violence: Union says Tories don’t want to hear from teachers
"I think it’s reflective of the power of those voices,” she said."I have received over 700 emails from folks asking for teachers to be part of the conversation about violence in schools," said Lachance.The auditor general is working on a report into violence in schools, which will likely be completed in June. After its release, the report will be discussed at the public accounts committee.
He pointed to a survey of 1,936 NSTU members last October in which 84 per cent of teachers and specialists said the province is not taking appropriate action to keep schools safe.