Nova Scotia Tories backtrack on decision to not invite teachers union to meeting on school violence

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union will get a seat at the table, after all.

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.

NDP committee member Lisa Lachance brought a motion forward at Wednesday’s meeting asking that the witness list be amended to include union representatives. Lachance said they’d received more than 700 emails from people urging that teachers be included in the meeting. Lachance said that in order to have a fulsome discussion on the topic, it requires teachers being there. Lachance’s motion ultimately passed unanimously.

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.

After Wednesday’s meeting, Lachance said they was happy that the Tories had a change of heart. Lachance figured the government’s backtracking had much to do with public backlash.

“I think it’s reflective of the power of those voices,” Lachance said. “I have received over 700 emails from folks asking for teachers to be part of the conversation about violence in schools,” said Lachance.

“I think it makes sense.”

Nova Scotia’s Auditor General Kim Adair 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.

NSTU president Ryan Lutes sent a letter last month asking that the committee reconsider its decision to exclude the voice of Nova Scotia’s almost 10,000 public school teachers and specialists on an issue that has such a profound impact on their students.

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.

“Teachers know first-hand the devastating impact of school violence on children, school staff and their families,” Lutes said in a news release at the time. “It’s disrespectful to these hard-working professionals, dedicated to the betterment and wellbeing of our kids, that their union will not be able to share their perspective at this public meeting.”

Liberal committee member Braedon Clark said the government’s initial decision to exclude the group made no sense. He said to understand the problem of violence in schools, it needs to come directly from the ones witnessing it.

“You don’t need to see the report on violence in schools to know that teachers should be there,” said Clark. “I’m looking forward to a good discussion.”