Teacher support - just another provincial liberal fiasco?

It is no surprise that the provincial Liberals cannot afford quality education for youth by supporting teachers.

That was never evident in responsible planning of budgets over the last years.

Instead, taxpayers are weighed down by a number of scandals pointing to Liberal fiscal irresponsibility.

E-health revealed poor planning resulting in a waste in excess of $1 billion of taxpayers’ money.

The provincial government did little to oversee spending of millions to Ornge Air Ambulance service, resulting in more wasted dollars for the taxpayers.

Then the Liberals’ plan — oops — cancellation of gas plants cost the taxpayers over $950 million — for nothing.

Of course, the Time Of Use or smart meters added to Liberals’ poor planning reputation, costing taxpayers $700 million more than the anticipated $1.9 billion. Then they raised the off-peak rate of energy use by 114 per cent compared to the 29-per-cent rate for on-peak energy use.

People who are energy conscious out of need or interest pay more. Then with the proposed sale of 60 per cent of Hydro One, taxpayers will likely face considerable increases in hydro rates — which the Ontario Energy Board says it will control?

Are the Liberals able to steer clear of more wasteful management?

Responsible planning for educating our youth begins with teacher support.

The Liberal government of this province can exercise positive direction for taxpayers and youth with clear planning. Fewer students in a classroom, system support of structured classroom management, and decent cost-of-living pay increases for highly qualified caring teachers, are parts of a fair plan for quality education.

Concrete planning for this goal is a 100-per-cent reliable investment. Anything less for the students of this province will amount to another provincial Liberal fiasco.

Judith Birmingham
Sudbury