MPP Arnott responds to faith-based schools issue

The Provincial Liberals are misleading Ontario voters on John Tory's plan to fund religious schools, says Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott.

"I'm very disappointed, but not surprised, that the Liberals are desperately trying to hang on to power by misrepresenting Mr. Tory's position on school funding," Mr. Arnott stated.

The subject of fair funding for faith-based schools has become a controversial and hotly debated issue in the lead up to the 2007 Provincial Election Campaign. Mr. Arnott believes the Liberals have gone too far with their attacks on Mr. Tory.

"I have always supported excellence in our public education system, which is open to all students. By bringing together children of all ethnic, social and economic backgrounds, we teach them tolerance and respect for each other," Mr. Arnott said. "I have always supported funding for Catholic schools as well, as part of the historical compromise of Confederation in 1867," he added.

John Tory made a commitment some time ago to try to bring fairness to the funding of faith-based schools and bring them into the publicly-funded education system. Under Mr. Tory's plan, public funding would come with strings attached to ensure public accountability

"I could not support funding for religious schools unless the funding problems in the public system are fixed first. John Tory's plan would also ensure that all schools receiving funding must have certified teachers, administer standardized tests, and teach the Ontario curriculum," Mr. Arnott explained. "In addition, I believe there needs to be regular inspection to ensure these funding conditions are being respected. If they are not, funding should be pulled immediately."

The Liberal claim that John Tory wants to take money out of public education couldn't be further from the truth.

"In fact, John Tory's hope is that all Ontario students would have an equal chance to learn Canadian literature, history and geography, as well as the rest of the Ontario curriculum, regardless of the school they attend. He wants to bring these kids into the publicly-funded system. That's what has motivated him to take this position," Mr. Arnott concluded.

  Further Information: Ted Arnott, MPP, 1-800-265-2366 /519 787-5247