Ontario legislature returns from break as tensions with teachers’ unions continue

The Ontario legislature will return Tuesday after a break that’s been dominated by escalating tensions with teachers’ unions.

Contract talks have stalled between the Progressive Conservative government and the four major teachers’ unions in Ontario.

A province-wide strike is set to take place on Friday and will see about two million students out of class.

House leader Paul Calandra has said the government has no immediate plans to introduce back-to-work legislation.

The unresolved issues include the role of seniority in hiring and assigning supply teachers, class sizes, e-learning and funding for students with special education needs.

Questions about the government’s controversial move during the winter break to cancel Hamilton’s light-rail line will also likely be raised as politicians return to Queen’s Park.