Related
Internal Links
Educators in Toronto are defending their decision spend about $125,000 on a conference at the Air Canada Centre on Wednesday, saying it is vital for professional development and teacher morale.
The meeting will be the first time the Toronto District School Board's teachers, support staff and trustees will meet under one roof. Some 20,000 people who work in the education system are expected to attend the conference, which got underway at 11:30 a.m.
Sheila Cary-Meagher, trustee for Ward 16, said the tens of thousands of dollars spent on the one-day event is money well spent.
"It's an investment in better productivity. I mean, like, hello? What could be more sensible?" she said.
However, trustee Josh Matlow doesn't see much sense in holding the event and he will not be attending.
"Every year when we are telling parents that we don't have enough money for the basic things that they want for their kids, to just turn around the next day and spend tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars on a rally — as inspirational as it might be — sends the wrong message," said Matlow, who is currently running for council in Ward 22 St. Paul's.
The event was originally supposed to cost $345,000 before it was scaled back after the bill sparked controversy.
Nevertheless, attendees will be treated to some high-profile Canadian entertainment, including a performance by teenage jazz singer Nikki Yanofsky and the Canadian Tenors.
"You cannot put a price on inspiration," said Avis Glaze, among the speakers who will address teachers on Wednesday.
"There's nothing more important than face-to-face communication. So I congratulate the director and the board for having the vision to bring people together. They will never forget this day," said Glaze, a top educator who is the founding CEO of Ontario's Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat.
Other speakers who are scheduled Wednesday include the director of the school board, Dr. Chris Spence, and prominent philanthropist Marc Kielburger.
Share Tools
Latest Toronto News Headlines
- Ontario crash victims 'were our family,' workers say
- A group of migrant farm workers gather to bury one of 11 men killed in last week's horrific crash in southwestern Ontario. more »
- Toronto outside workers ratify contract
- Toronto's outside workers have voted in favour of a new four-year contract with the city. more »
- Raptors all business as Lin, Knicks visit Toronto
- Dwane Casey is a huge Jeremy Lin fan, but the Raptors coach stops short of being swept up in the "Lin-sanity." The biggest story in the NBA is in Toronto on Tuesday as the New York Knicks visit (7 p.m. ET), but Casey cautions against letting Lin's presence turn into a "sideshow". more »
- Toronto man charged in deadly Mississauga crash
- A Toronto man faces charges in a deadly collision that claimed the lives of two of his passengers last fall. more »
Top News Headlines
- Online surveillance bill tabled in House
- A bill that is expected to give police and intelligence agencies new powers to access Canadians' electronic communications, sometimes without a warrant, has been tabled in the House of Commons. more »
- Fantino says Canada's F-35 jet purchase 'evolving'
- Canada's minister responsible for military procurement now appears open to adjusting the Defence Department's order for F-35 fighter jets, citing an economic environment "we may not have any control over." more »
- What to get your special someone on Valentine's Day
- For those looking for a last-minute Valentine's Day gift, here are some ideas — from the traditional to the outlandish. more »
- Sperm donor anonymity case moves to B.C. Appeal Court
- The B.C. government hopes to retain the anonymity of sperm donors as it launches a high-court appeal of a ruling last year won by a woman who wanted to know the identity of her father. more »
- Mandatory gun sentence struck down by Ontario judge
- Ban Wi-Fi in classroom, Ontario teachers union urges
- Ontario government to sell LCBO headquarters
- Dead bullied boy's statements to be heard in court
- Ultimate Tazer Ball combines shock and soccer
- Fords plan 'Save Our Subways' campaign
- CBC digital music service launched
- Teen dies after being hit by train in Oshawa
- Ontario crash victims 'were our family,' workers say

