ADVANCING ONTARIO PUBLIC EDUCATION it’s a JUSTCAWS

Former teacher union District VP and nomination candidate for the Progressive Conservatives, Greg shares his unique perspective on the current #onted dispute. Dark clouds are hovering over Ontario public education, right now. Whether you blame the government or the unions it doesn’t matter, schools are closed – again, and parents are fed up. This will be a pivotal week in determining if the Ford government cares about public education or is purposely creating havoc in the system to undermine it in the eyes of Ontarians. As for the education unions, from my experience at the negotiation table – I know they don’t care about public education – it’s not their job.  They work to get their due paying members the best compensation deal they can. Since their union dues are a percentage of gross pay – it is in the union’s self-interest to get their member pay raises. I don’t begrudge them for that, but they spew a whole of bunch B.S. when they say, “we are doing this for the kids”. If you believe the government is making public education, stronger by finally ending the constant work stoppages and disruption – then this the end justifies the means approach better happen quickly. If that means contracting out cleaning services and fining the union to the max – do it and bring an end to the work stoppage. Ford started down this road by imposing a contract – he had to anticipate a major push back would come. Union supporters like to make the charge that Ford Nation wants to dismantle public education and push further privatization. If that is proven to be the case, then what good comes for standing by and letting that happen. Go back to work and push the feds to act and make our charter mean something again. Public education does need a hero right now – we will find out soon who that may be.

Unions don't support pushing for essential service status because it cuts the size and influence of their organizations.I f you agree that teachers would get a better deal if deemed essential - then members will ask why are we paying so much in dues. An association can do contract maintenance for much less. rather than spending millions on ad buys during contract talks. The government may not want this, but the public does . They are tired of the current adversarial system of endless contract disputes and so am I.

If public education is in fact in trouble, the one terrible sign would be public apathy. Sadly, in some municipalities the indifference is on full display with some school trustee positions being unfilled or uncontested individuals being acclaimed. The system needs input from the public to be at its best. Secondary issue is that teachers have flexed their political muscles in endorsing candidates who see public education through their lens.  With limited numbers running for the position, teacher influence has skewed the political balance needed on school boards. Solutions… just listen.

Today's idea is to take away teacher's unions' right to strike by making teaching an essential service.

Welcome to Advancing Public Education, hosted by Gregory Cawsey. Here to give voice to ideas on advancing public education. 

A strong Public Education system is vital for a functional democracy. So many important parts of our society are supported by an educated electorate that learns perspective in an environment that reflects the society they want to change. Equity within public education is vital, but it must be done right.  An uncompromising push for equity is going to push out families that have time, money and influence. Their absence will disrupt the diversity needed for the magic of public education to work. Read column at https://www.justcaws.ca/2022/07/drive-for-equity-cannot-drive-families.html

Discussed why I am Pro Choice in a previous episode, but this one will look at the politics of the decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade in the United States. I am hopeful that this can be an opportunity for the U.S. to get to a better place surrounding this difficult issue. Unfortunately, I believe this will be a painful process in finding the right balance.  We are fortunate here in Canada, that once again, we can learn from the American struggle. 

Previously written about the cult of personality of our time.  Before the election and after.   I have found it fascinating that people still don’t grasp the appeal and how to combat him.  I do fear for American democracy if  he was to ever win again. It is why I hope the left has a better strategy going forward than what I have seen thus far.  The January 6 committee is going to try and get as much out of that disgrace as it can. But without criminal consequence - it does seem partisan and out of touch with day to day issues Americans currently face. I would like to believe that the Republicans could run a garden hose to beat Biden right now and the only thing standing in the way of a GOP landslide win, is red tie himself.  Still there is a lot of personality left that his cult still finds appealing.

It is deliberate and people know it. Populist anger is simmerring and about to boil over. Conservative oppportunist politicians are circling the discontent and herding this mob down their own idealogical path. I don’t believe in a winner take all attitude in politics. The pendulum always swings back. When it does, I don't want to lose ground on social progressive issues, but when people struggle to afford the basics - nothing else matters.

Please don't listen to environmental apologists try and shift blame to Putin, price gouging or supply chain issues - this is not circumstantial. This pump pain is done with intent.  At least with Covid restrictions, governments that imposed them - owned them.  It was to fight a deadly virus.  Progressives govermentents should have the courage of their convictions to do the same with the climate change fight. Willl discuss the consequences of this strategy next episode.   

Commented plenty on teacher unions over the years and their counterproductive moves that are damaging to public education. Their increased politicization of the profession and encouraging member to air grievances in social media are not helping.  Also comment on the following article from Kathryn Marshall - https://nationalpost.com/opinion/kathryn-marshall-power-to-the-people-not-always-when-unions-are-involvedand how they are failing to help members in their time of need. Say all this to support and protect a very justcaws -  public education. 

Another tragic mass shooting in the United States has Greg address the divisive issue of gun control in this week's episode. The proliferation of guns in the States is both a cause of the violence, but also stone walls any moves at disarming citizens. Hopeful action will take place, but excuse my pessimism.

Critique of last night's Ontario Election debate and a summary of each party's current status heading into election day June 2nd.  Always believed that as long as you don't have to wear mask to vote, Ford will be able to get all the undivided support on the right of the political spectrum. Leaving the other 3 to fight over the votes on the left. While Ontario is left leaning, one party on the left has to dominate for a clear path to victory. Nothing thus far has changed that thinking.   I don't believe with the pandemic moving into the rear view mirror that any New Blue party is going to have much impact. In fact, I believe there is a growing dissatisfaction among the working class with left leaning parties and that this election will be the first to bear that out.  Watching the debate did remind me how much is lost with the addition of each candidate and how strange it is that we focus so much on the leaders, that unlike the U.S. system, most can't even vote for. It is spectacle over consequence. 

Fire the coach, the GM, blow it up? None of the above, but running it back is not an option either.  That is by definition insanity - which is happening to me by watching this team lose in the playoffs year after year. Willie and or the Captain must go.  Add a proven winner and some needed salary cap flexibility is the JUSTCAWS off season plan.  

Political engagement is high - so that should be a good thing for our democracy. Unfortunately, the United States influence of tribal political identity is creeping into Canada. It seems now everyone has a political opinion and wear it on their sleeve. It reminds me of the change in our attire to go and cheer on our favourite sport team. Look at the footage of old games - not a logo in sight. Not that many years ago I remember going to sporting events and only a few wore team gear to the game. Now that American sport phenomena of dressing the part is present in Canada as well.  Now you feel completely out of place if you have not donned the colours of your team - you must represent. This is not a big deal - sport is harmless. The problem is this adversarial approach to elections and governing has now crept into our democratic systems. Voting turnout has not been the issue lately, but what we need now is take this political enthusiasm and embrace our political independence.  A past the post electoral system works fine if we stop looking at the colours of the parties and to the character of the individuals we elect. Municipal elections represent what could be. Sadly voter turnout is the lowest here than any level of government in Canada. I would like to believe its because they deal in issues many find of little consequence rather than the absence of party money, power and influence. I know breaking up the dominance of entrenched political parties will be extremely difficult - but its another JUSTCAWS. 

With today's leak about an upcoming U. S. supreme court decision on the status of abortion rights in the States, I wanted to share my thoughts on the inconsistent position many Conservatives take on the issue and how I believe these social conservative issues are hobbling efforts to elect good governments that demonstrate the fiscal conservative values we need. I will draw a comparison with vaccine mandates. If there are to be any restrictions it should be left for women in society to decide - again it's their choice.

Inflation, carbon taxes on already high gas prices and a general apathy toward these issues by the federal government.  It's "not let them eat cake" but frustration is growing like food prices for the working class. 

Current war in Ukraine has sadly provided horrific images that has lead to the question of where do we go from here?  

Legislation in many states south of the border looking to age limit discussion on LGBTQ issues has Greg talking.

About giving perspective in the search for understanding and common ground.  I believe that is a JUSTCAWS. 

Antivaxxers and individuals who remain in a tight, personal lockdown, share one thing in common - fear. The cause of their fear may be different (vaccine vs. covid) but their irrational behaviour puts them on the fringes of society. The only way to bring them back to the fold is to ...

Question about how are things in schools now and of course the topic du jour - masks. 

Thoughts on Raps chances and Leafs playoff hopes. Throw in a little Jays talk too. 

Taking your questions on today’s issues. Giving perspective to find common ground.