POLITICAL PARTY POSITIONS -
LIBERAL |
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Context |
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1. |
The Liberal leaders have been very clear in their view about the (non)funding and lack of support for non-catholic faith-based schools, and the non-religious, elitist independent schools as well. |
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2. |
These same leaders do stand for, “promoting public education and public health”. |
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Facts |
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The detailed position is explained in the Liberal Party Platform called Moving Forward Together. Under the heading “A Smarter Ontario: Excellence in Education” it claims: |
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“Ontario Liberals want our schools to be places where all our children, from all faiths, come together to learn from one another and grow together.” |
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The purpose of education is: |
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“Our top priority because it is the key to helping individuals and families move forward.” |
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The Liberals are very proud of their spending record: |
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“Together, Ontarians have laid a strong foundation over the last four years. We’ve invested an unprecedented 11 BILLION new dollars in our schools—which was paid for in part, by cancelling the last plan to send public money to private schools.” |
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6. |
The actual plans to improve public schools contain these four proposals (direct quotes): |
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a) |
"Reach Every Student—creating opportunities for all Ontario children to realize their potential." |
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"Stronger Foundations—a dramatic increase of funding with another $3.1 BILLION to come before 2010." |
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"Raising the Bar—continuing the drive to help all our children meet high academic standards. Create specialty schools in each board. These schools will appeal to young people with strong interests in the trades, math, science, arts and athletics." |
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d) |
"Help more people go to college and university." |
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Principles |
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7. |
There is no principled commitment to minority rights in print. The status quo—some privileged minorities— is seen as an historic accident with no legal or moral issues, a “mere academic discussion,” according to Mr. McGuinty. |
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Talking Points |
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This view represents an education philosophy which makes socialization the main function of schools (“imparting Canadian values and attitudes”), not intellectual discipline or vocational training. |
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Many editorials have commented on the lack of moral and educational integrity in this position. The same can be said about the Liberal health and energy positions. |
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10. |
According to the Ottawa Citizen, the real Liberal position is to “outlaw private competition” without explanation. |
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11. |
We leave this sad state of affairs with a quote from the Editorial Board of the Ottawa Citizen (October 2, 2007): |
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“McGuinty displays an utter refusal to talk about his principles, and an eagerness to spread demonstrable falsehoods about his opponents. There’s a shortage of mainstream candidates to believe in in this election.” |
