Today, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, issued the following statement in response to OECTA's announced one-day, province-wide strike: "Strikes by the teachers' unions have resulted in millions of student days lost.

Toronto - Feb. 28, 2020: Today, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, issued the following statement in response to OECTA's announced one-day, province-wide strike:

"Strikes by the teachers' unions have resulted in millions of student days lost.

This week, while in discussions with OECTA, we sought to get a deal that is in the best interests of our students through lower class sizes, 100% investment in special education and protecting full-day kindergarten. Yet again, we have seen obstruction to a deal because of an insistence by the union on enhancements to an already generous benefit package.

Students deserve to be in class. That is why I am calling on OECTA to return to the table to get a deal."