Statement on World Teachers’ Day

October 05, 2017

(OTTAWA) – Elizabeth May issued the following statement on World Teachers’ Day:

“Canadians owe a huge debt to our dedicated teachers, who show up at schools and postsecondary institutions every day with purpose, insight and understanding,” Ms. May said. “Teaching young minds to think critically and to seek solutions to difficult problems better ensures their social and economic mobility, which is so important in creating a fair and equitable society.

“Accessible post-secondary education and training would help ensure equal opportunity for everyone. [I] have long called for the abolition of post-secondary tuition, and debt forgiveness for all post-secondary loans over $10,000.

“This year’s theme –Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers – prompts us to appreciate the academic freedoms we enjoy in Canada, and to turn our attention to the millions who lack access to education in their home countries. According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, the world needs 69 Million teachers if we are to achieve universal primary and secondary education by 2030.

“Thank you to all the dedicated teachers across Canada.”