The Thompson Teachers Association (TTA) held a march and rally Saturday, saying that the Province is making cuts to the education system despite recent announcements to the contrary.

 

Kathy Pellizzaro, the president of the TTA, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that the day as a whole went very well. She said that there were around 100 people in attendance, including teachers, parents, students and members of other local unions.

 

In an MLA Report published last month, Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle said that the Pallister Government is investing $1.3B for public schools in Manitoba next year, including a 7.4% ($2.3M) increase locally for the School District of Mystery Lake.

 

Pellizzaro told Arctic Radio News that she spoke with administration at the SDML office after hearing the news, and said that the increase is incorrect. The TTA president said that with increased enrollment, there is in fact up to a 2% decrease in funding for public schools here in Thompson.

 

United Steelworkers Local 6166 was out in full force for the event, with both President Warren Luky and Vice-President Tony Colbourne in attendance.

 

Luky spoke after the rally was done, and said that it’s important to support the teachers as they are facing a big challenge when it comes to the current provincial government. He added that it’s disappointing that the Pallister Government did not consult teachers, and haven’t had the best interest of children in mind.

 

Luky said that the message needs to be sent to Bindle, Education Minister Ian Wishart and Premier Brian Pallister to make sure that the cuts are reversed, and that they still have the chance to give appropriate funding to education.

 

A video of the march and rally can be found on the 102.9 CHTM Facebook page.

 

Photo courtesy of Kyle Darbyson, Thompson Citizen.