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13 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,F ebruary 14,2019 theifp.ca Members of the four Halton bargain- ing units of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation were rallying out- side local high schools Feb. 7, informing the public about what the provincial gov- ernment's proposed funding cuts could mean for students. Representatives from the Teacher, Oc- casional Teacher, Office Clerical and Technical and Professional Student Ser- vices Personnel units stood outside of schools throughout Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville and Burlington as part of a prov- incewide initiative to inform the public about Premier Doug Ford's planned edu- cation cuts in this year's budget. "Ford says 'we are open for business.' Call or email your MPP and let them know that Ontario needs to be open for learning," a leaflet being passed out reads. In December, the PC government an- nounced cuts to education programs and resources across the province, slashing $25 million from the Education Programs- Other fund that pays for a number of in- school initiatives and specialized pro- grams. Cindy Gage, president of the Halton Teachers' Bargaining Unit, says her greatest concern is the impact cuts will have on student learning in the class- rooms, as well as other educational ser- vices provided to students. She says Ford's initial promise to cut four per cent from the budget this year would result in a $1-billion chop to the ed- ucation portfolio as a whole. "If they increase class sizes or if they pull other education support staff from the building, then students are going to have less individualized attention within their classes," she said. "There is going to be less support for mental health, there's going to be less technology available in the school and the facilities and staff to repair that. There's going to be less access to the library." Gage says she hopes the information rallies provoke parents and local resi- dents to take action and contact their re- spective Members of Provincial Parlia- ment while budget consultations are un- derway. NEWS TEACHERS, STAFF ACROSS HALTON PROTEST PROPOSED CUTS TO EDUCATION FUNDING VERONICA APPIA vappia@metroland.com Members of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation bargaining units rally outside Georgetown District High School on Feb. 7. Veronica Appia/Metroland GIVE A THOUGHTFUL GIFT Make her feel loved with the Shape of My Heart hand-finished jewellery gift set $125 Gift set value $125. Available 1/10 - 2/14 or while supplies last. Valid only at participating retailers and online. Void where prohibited. Selections may vary by store. Not valid with prior purchases. Product not for resale; store may limit product purchase quantities in its sole discretion. Gift set includes one 397797CZ ($85) and one 297813CZ ($55), and a gift box. © 2019 Pandora Jewelry, LLC • All rights reserved Georgetown Marketplace 905-873-6662 '<=24?@=%2>#@;:>#?5##0)/<+@9;$%@-@"9<@,1% !4@87*.3 '%#.-*"++&".-/!)(-,!+,*+/-+.+*$ 9)25825 -'7(5)03%,2.4 $63!!1"7 25(*30#%/6#&6#2+ SALES SERVICE INSTALLATIONSESA #7003060 905-702-0515 Visit our new website! www.dekerelectric.ca Have a safe and happy Family Day! Protect YOUR family with a generator. DEKEReLeCTRIC ltd. Dental Implants It feels great to smile with confidence! Available here... New Patients Welcome Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Marketplace Dental Centre Georgetown Marketplace Mall 905-877-CARE (2273) • www.georgetowndental.com HOURS: Monday & Wednesday 8:00am - 8:00pm • Tuesday & Thursday 8:00am - 6:00pm • Saturday 8:00am - 3:00pm Proudly Serving Georgetown Since 1994.