Not really “net zero”

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When the Wynne government settled contracts with teachers across the province it said pay increases worth $400 million would be offset by savings in other areas. But now we’re learning that the deals will cost an additional $300 million in order to merge benefit plans. The Education Minister is still calling it a “net zero” deal.

So how did the Liberals manage zero cost after reaching agreements with multiple Ontario school boards which was highlighted by $402 million in salary increases? By performing several cost-cutting measures that includes eliminating $150-million in spending on the final year of a program designed to help struggling students graduate, anywhere between $86-$171 million saved by offering lower payouts for banked sick days next year and by offering education workers up to two days of unpaid days off during P.A. days that could save up to $14 million.

The Liberals also announced the cost of restructuring more than 1,000 current benefit plans down to five. “Overtime it’ll save money but it does require an upfront investment.”

An upfront investment of $300-million.$175 million to establish trust and $125 million to consolidate the plans. Sandals said it could be years before their intended savings are realized, that didn’t sit well with opposition

“You simply cannot trust the Liberals when it comes to numbers, you can’t trust the Liberals when it comes to math and you certainly can’t trust the Liberals when it comes to our children’s education. ” Lisa McCloud, MPP.