Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker was ejected from the Legislature Monday after criticizing the education minister in Question Period, over her talking points on school closures.
"Her government promised to fix the funding formula, yet here we are, facing the possibility of as many as 600 school closures and asking for a moratorium, because they broke their promise to the people of Ontario," Walker said.
He called on Education Minister Mitzie Hunter to put down her talking points and start listening to the people who have stepped up to save local schools with offers of partnership and collaboration.
"Chapman’s Ice Cream and a home developer in Markdale have committed millions of dollars, along with money that was also pledged by the Municipality of Grey Highlands, to save the local school," he said, adding the proposed $60-million subdivision development would be lost if the school closed.
"In Paisley, also a-single school community like Markdale, local council has also offered money along with Bruce Power’s projected growth related to the refurbishment there," he said.
Walker said the minister’s failure to respond to the community’s offers could mean only one thing.
"If collaboration isn’t what the minister means or wants, then she needs to stop misleading the communities, businesses and families who’ve stepped up to do the work," Walker concluded.
While being escorted from the chamber by the sergeant-at-arms, Walker pleaded to the minister and the premier to "do the honourable thing. It’s never too late to do the right thing."