Nova Scotia teachers, union, unhappy about schools reopening
When Nova Scotia Teachers Union President Paul Wozney first heard Halifax and Sydney-area schools were going to reopen, his reaction was scathing.
"It's a politically bungled decision," said Wozney, who added the union was not consulted. "We were given a heads up five minutes after the press briefing started."
According to Nova Scotia's Education Minister, the low COVID-19 case count was the main driver behind the decision.
"Based on the recommendations of public health, we all felt that there was an opportunity to get our kids and children back in school," said Derek Mombourquette.
Wayne McKay, a parent of two students, said he still focused on what Nova Scotia Premier Iain Rankin had previously said.
"They were going to be online for the rest of the year," said McKay. "And everyone made the changes to do that. Then suddenly without any notice or prep, they've been told they are doing a 180, and going back into the classroom."
Wozney is concerned many Nova Scotia families have already made the tough transition into a 'learning from home' environment.
"Parents took a leave of absence from jobs they can't take," said Wozney. "They paid for childcare that they can't take back."
Wozney is also worried about safety. "Public health's own statistics show that there was notable community spread in a number of schools," said Wozney.
McKay has similar concerns.
"My wife and I still haven't decided if we're going to send our kids back right away or not," said McKay.
But Mombourquette said, based on public health recommendations, schools are not a spreader of COVID-19.
"Usually what has taken place is, we have somebody with COVID who has a contact within the community within the school," said Mombourquette.
Wozney said teachers will make the necessary adjustments and are now in scramble mode as they prepare to return to school by Thursday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.