Hundreds of teachers brought their frustration directly to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty Tuesday night in a rally outside of the Ottawa Convention Centre.
McGuinty was speaking at an annual Liberal fundraising event inside the convention centre.
As many as 500 teachers and education workers came armed with signs and flags to protest Bill 115.
The legislation, passed by the province in September, freezes wages, limits teachers’ ability to strike and bans them from banking sick days.
“What they have done with passing bill 115 has just put us up against the wall, and they have taken away our rights,” said educational assistant Sue Hanson.
“I can tell you a lot of teachers are not here for a salary wage or more money, we're here for fair negotiations,” said elementary school teacher Christos Pantieres.
Inside the convention centre, McGuinty addressed a room full of his supporters.
He touted his party’s accomplishments during his leadership, including those in education.
“We have 41 new (Ottawa) schools and 115 Ottawa area schools now offer full day kindergarten,” McGuinty said.
He did not address the loud protest outside.
Ottawa’s public school teachers have until Dec. 31 to reach a deal with the board. After that deadline, the provincial government can impose new contracts.
With files from CTV’s Claudia Cautillo
