Lecce expresses ‘gratitude’ to educators after MPP Gila Martow suggests recording classes to save money

‘Focus is getting kids in class,’ Lecce added

yorkregion.com
July 7, 2021
Dina Al-Shibeeb

MPP Gila Martow for Thornhill made some headlines and raised some eyebrows when she asked a York region teacher what’s the difference between a virtual classroom versus a pre-recorded lesson that can easily be downloadable for students.

“Why should we pay a teacher even for virtual learning,” the Progressive Conservative MPP asked, when she pondered her question during a recent online meeting with a teacher and a student.

This has made some headlines and heightened fear, especially in light of the Progressive Conservative party's planned education cuts dating back to 2019.

In response to Yorkregion.com, Martow wrote, “To be clear, my caucus colleagues and I have always supported a safe return to in-person learning.”

Martow, who was the premier’s former assistant labour minister, also described the meeting as a way to get perspective on what a safe return to school could look like this fall.

While urging Yorkregion.com to watch the video in its entirety, she added, “Tackling tough topics is an important job for any elected official -- and I've never shied away from having healthy conversations with many viewpoints.”

Martow, who won’t be seeking re-election in the next provincial election, previously also made headlines after it was discovered she owned shares in Amazon when she was helping rewrite the province’s labour laws.

Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan as well as the minister of education, was asked July 6 about teachers who may be upset or offended by Martow’s comments after he announced a $2.4 million investment to all school boards to implement an anti-trafficking plan -- the first-of-its-kind in Canada.

“I think I will just express gratitude to every educator in Ontario for stepping up this past year and doing the very best in an incredibly difficult time,” Lecce said.

“These are folks that enter this profession because they love children. And we're just very grateful for their commitments, working with us to deliver a modern curriculum.”

‘I am greatly disappointed’: School board draws criticism for considering hybrid model

After launching a new math curriculum last year, Grade 9 students will be experiencing this new version with a focus on coding and financial literacy.

“I mean, we need a partnership with our educators as we continue to modernize our curriculum and make sure it is connected to the labour market and gives young people pathways to jobs and meaningful employment.”

Lecce also made it clear that the province's top priority is “getting children back into class full-time this September, full-stop.”

“What is our priority is ensuring children can safely get into school, where we believe they belong, for their mental health and their development.”

While assurances were provided by the minister, skepticism of the government’s intent still prevails.

Muna Kadri, president of Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, District 16 York Region, explained how “Martow’s comments were appalling, but not a surprise.”

“Since taking power, Martow and her Ontario PC colleagues have made it clear that they plan to privatize public education at the expense of students,” Kadri added.

“Education workers in Ontario immediately recognized the threat during bargaining when Minister Lecce revealed his mandatory e-learning plan and it’s partly why we participated in job action. I’m confident that families across Ontario are equally disgusted by her comments and won’t forget on election day.”

The NDP has also criticized Martow’s comments.

“Now we have government members devaluing the work that our teachers do every day and suggesting we eliminate all connection between teachers and students. There aren’t words strong enough to say this idea is dangerous, and has no place in any government caucus," said NDP education critic Marit Stiles.

“After years of cuts to our children’s classrooms, I’m calling on Lecce and (Premier Doug) Ford to explain where this dangerous idea is coming from, and condemn it in no uncertain terms.”

On pre-recording lessons, Lecce's office, said, "This has not been presented. This has never been considered and never will be."