On November 4, 2019, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, issued the following statement in response to the ratification of the central agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the Council of Trustees’ Association (CTA):
“I would like to congratulate CUPE and the CTA for the ratification of the 2019-22 central agreement.
Our singular aim through this process was to keep students in class and provide predictability and certainty to parents, students, and educators.
We value education workers who work hard to foster a safe and positive learning environment for students all across the province.
This agreement demonstrates our government can get deals with our labour partners, and it affirms the importance of all parties staying at the negotiating table and taking a reasonable approach to the bargaining process.
The government remained a constructive force at the table with one mission in mind: keeping students in a safe and positive learning environment. By negotiating in good faith, all parties have demonstrated that an agreement can be achieved, and in doing so, keeping students in the classroom where they belong.”