Press Releases 2006

For Immediate Release

September 26, 2006

Klees: McGuinty Progress Report is Fiction

Official Opposition Education Critic, Oak Ridges MPP Frank Klees today told the legislature that the McGuinty government's Progress Report on education should be classified as fiction.

Klees w a s responding to a progress report rele a sed by the Premier in which the McGuinty Liber a ls cl a imed credit for lower cl a ss sizes, improved test scores a nd higher gr a du a tion r a tes.

Klees countered that while some primary classes are lower, the McGuinty hard- cap policy has resulted in significant spikes in the size of older grades, has led to a proliferation of portables and is responsible for split classes reaching as high as 47 students.

In response to the claims of higher test scores and improved graduation rates, Klees accused the government of hiding the fact that tests have been watered down and standards have been lowered under the McGuinty Liberals.

"The McGuinty propaganda machine continues to churn out press releases that are designed to deflect the public's attention from the truth. This manipulation of information may serve the McGuinty Liberals' political objectives, but is dishonest at best," said Klees.

"School Boards across the province are facing deficits, program cuts and school closures. That is the true state of education in Ontario ."

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Hansard record

For more information:

Frank Klees

416-325-7316