In response to a CTF commentary on education reform in the Winnipeg Free Press, the Manitoba Teachers' Union invited us to go for a school tour to learn about the pressures facing the education system. (To view their invite, click here)

The CTF responded to their invitation today with the response below. If you have any thoughts on generous teacher pay increases at the same time as the private sector struggles to get through the economic slowdown, feel free to email me @ [email protected].   

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Hi Pat,

Thank you for your letter, tour invitation and latest copy of your magazine - the Manitoba Teacher.

I would like to begin by noting that the Canadian Taxpayers Federation stands behind rewarding the best teachers in our province for their performance. Hopefully someday, we can convince you to stand behind our province’s best teachers and discontinue the practice of paying sub-par teachers the same as those that really bust their butts and deliver great lessons.

As you know, current union agreements pay teachers based on years worked, not performance. If you stand behind our call for education reform, teacher pay could be explored and a better system could be developed.

As for your idea of spending the day together, I think it sounds like a great idea. Why don't we take the morning to speak with taxpayers who have felt wage freezes, reduced shifts, minimal pay increases or layoffs during the recent economic slowdown.

In fact, I know many reporters who have privately voiced their frustration with generous pay increases for public sector employees while media outlets across the country went through havoc over the past couple years. Perhaps you could explain why teachers' salaries should increase above the inflation rate at a time when many private sector employees are struggling to keep their jobs and current level of pay.

In the afternoon we can visit the school you would like to showcase. It will further allow us to get past the red herring distraction of "what programs to cut" and instead focus on reasonable spending levels in the education system and salary levels for staff that taxpayers can afford.

You may reach me at [email protected] or 982-2152 (direct) or 227-5561 cell. I look forward to hearing from you.

Colin