Interview with Ontario Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce

Originally published in Corriere Canadese

Thirty four years old, determined, with an intense desire to overcome challenges and a great passion for politics. Since last June, 2019, Stephen Lecce - elected in the King-Vaughan district in the ranks of the Progressive Conservative in 2018 - has been the Minister of Education. A demanding position but one, as can be seen from his own words, he is flattered to hold. At a time when the school world is in chaos due to the strikes, rotating and non-rotating, proclaimed daily by the four teachers' trade unions, Minister Lecce took time out for the following interview with Corriere Canadese.

Minister negotiations with public elementary school teachers resumed yesterday after a six-week break. You said that you hope that the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario will submit realistic proposals to you. What would these proposals be?
"Since the beginning of the negotiations, the union has made a request for a 2% increase in wages and continues to remain firm on this question. The government offered 1% but was not accepted. What I ask is that the union be more reasonable since high school teachers, for example, earn $ 91,000 a year, the second highest pay in our country, much more than an average citizen. The government prefers to invest the money needed for the requested increase - $ 1.5 billion - into children's programs. I'm not going to raise taxes on the elderly or families to pay their wage increases. "

Aside from the increase in the size of their paycheck, however, there are other differences with the unions, which, for example, address class size, ask for more resources for students, the abolition of e-learning courses. In general, compromises are needed to reach an agreement.
«True, the parties must not remain anchored to their positions and the government has already taken steps in this direction. Regarding the number of students per class, we have dropped from 28 to 25 and we are continuing to explore ways to lower this number even further. Regarding online courses we have reduced the number of courses from 4 to 2. I am open to any idea to improve the education sector, what I am not open to, I repeat, is the increase in wages ".

Why does your government praise online study while the union rejects this learning method?
"I am convinced that in many cases education can be complemented by courses of this type. Children also need technological knowledge, which is becoming a requirement for finding jobs if they are to be competitive in the global economy. The world is changing and keeping up with the times is crucial. Without forgetting that the courses are taught by highly trained teachers ».

Minister don't you think that children and young people also need to attend school to socialize, to have a direct relationship with teachers and classmates?
"Certainly and it is precisely for this reason that 95% of the subjects will be taught in schools, we intend to combine the two learning methods preparing the children for the future".

Both you and the president of the elementary teachers' union say that the parents are on your side. EFTO said the result of an internal survey proves that parents support teachers.
“I'm glad you mentioned the fact that it's their survey. My experience is different from theirs. I understand that parents want the strike to end and that children who need to study don't have to pay such a high price. Strikes, with all the inconveniences they entail, are stressing families ».

Premier Ford has ruled out, at least for now, the injunction of teachers on strike. How do you plan to solve this stalled situation for months?
«What I want is to reach an agreement at the negotiating table rather than consider other alternatives. We managed to reach it with the CUPE and with the Educational Workers ’Alliance of Ontario, we can also do it with the other unions if they soften their line, contract in good faith and above all stop prioritizing their remuneration".

Considering the chaos you face, have you ever regretted having accepted the position of Minister of Education, an important but also problematic portfolio?
"Being the Minister of Education is a great honor for me. I am proud to be an Italian Canadian and I want to defend the values with which I grew up. The situation that has arisen with the unions is not directed to me personally because every couple of years. We can go back to the days Premier Bob Rae to see that Ministers have continually faced difficulties like these. I am the youngest education minister in Ontario's history and I want young people to get the message I fight for them. Union leaders fight for their members, I will continue to defend Ontario students and taxpayers. Believe me, I am honored and enthusiastic, I want to make the difference ».