www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, April 23, 2015 | 14 Wynne vows today's provincial budget will stick to election promises continued from p.1 cial) bargaining table, they had indicated they would be resuming the talks. However, the Durham public school board's high school teachers had left local contract talks and were the first teachers on strike in Ontario as of Monday (April 20). In a wide-ranging one-on-one discussion, Wynne said she hasn't wavered from statements she made last year that there isn't any money for pay increases in the education sector, even though teachers and school support staff in the province haven't received a raise in almost three years. "I was minister of education two (contract) rounds ago. I know how important it is to have a collective bargaining process. I was very clear when we brought in last year's budget that there was no new money for wages and benefits. "Everyone knew going into this round that was the case and that we needed a net zero," impact on the government's budget, "and that any increases would have to be found within the education envelope," she said. "We've got a new process in place where everyone has a clear role at the (central bargaining) table. That was one of the things missing in the last round. We have to let the collective bargaining process play out at the table. We knew it was going to be tough. I have a lot of faith in the collective bargaining process," said Wynne. Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn said a "top mediator" is working behind the scenes with the OSSTF and provincial school board negotiators. All teacher contracts in Ontario expired in August 2014. However, talks between school boards and local OSSTF reps, including at the Halton District School Board, continue. "... I hope it happens without any labour unrest. I really hope there is a plan to come back to the (bargaining) table," Wynne said. The OSSTF has accused the government and the provincial school boards association of not bargaining seriously, seeking "strips" or clawbacks to previously won gains. The union says the government is seeking a return to bigger class sizes, more out-of-class supervision time, as well as a demand for an unpaid day off and a slower movement up the salary grid. As for the provincial Liberals' upcoming budget, to be revealed today (Thursday), two days after the federal budget was tabled, Wynne would not respond directly if it will be one of belt-tightening and/or a spending one for Ontarians, only saying it will address several pressing areas of concern. "Our budget is going to reflect the plan that what we ran on" in the June 2014 election.... it's implementing the plan that has infrastructure investment and investment in people and their talent and skills, and partnering with business creating the (proper) business environment.... those are the things that are critical to our plan." Wynne said the intention to sell 60 per cent of the government's ownership of the Hydro One transmission utility, plus a plan to allow the sale of beer in supermarkets, will give it the means to invest funds where needed. "I talked today about the importance of the decision around Hydro One and around alcohol distribution as part of the (government) asset review that will allow us to realize $4 billion to invest in roads and bridges and transit. "So you're going to see those things at the heart of our budget, but balanced with our understanding that we have to eliminate the deficit by 2017-18. We're on track to do that," said Wynne. The government's revised projected budget deficit for 2014-15 is $10.9B, down from $12.5B predicted last year. "I have been very clear I see our fiscal health underpinning all the investment that we can see Courts on p. 18 Stained teeth? We can fix that! Hand Breaded in House daily CHICKEN PARMESAN KAISER A chicken breast marinated in our Signature Chalet Dipping Sauce, hand breaded in house with Parmesan cheese and herb breadcrumbs, topped with marinara sauce & Mozzarella cheese. Served on a toasted Kaiser with pesto mayo and your choice of side. 12.49 GOLD CHICKEN PARMESAN Limited Time Offer. While Supplies Last. Taxes Extra. Reg T.M. of Cara Operations Limited. ONT (Tier 2) - E 10/14 A chicken breast marinated in our Signature Chalet Dipping Sauce, hand breaded in house with Parmesan cheese and herb breadcrumbs, topped with marinara sauce and Mozzarella cheese. Served over tomato Linguine and warm garlic toast. 14.99 1-866-439-0439 www.swisschalet.ca 330 Dundas St. E. Oakville 905-257-3182 info@klerdental.ca www.klerdental.ca Open evenings & saturdays FirstOntario Investment Shares. A smart addition to your portfolio. Annual Dividend Rate Investment shares are only available by offering statement. This is not an offering statement. Please contact the Credit Union as indicated to receive and review an offering statement. 4.05 % Minimum 5-year investment Call us at 1-800-616-8878 or visit FirstOntario.com