Monday, February 10, 2014

Cabinet Minister Says Province Is Doing Teachers A Favor

Provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs wants legislation passed during this session of the Legislature to change teacher pensions to the shared risk model.
 

Higgs maintains the government can’t continue to make special payments that have averaged $83 million annually over the last 10 years. 

Provincial Attorney General Ted Flemming tells Tide News there's been a lot of fear mongering on the part of those who want to keep the status quo.
 

Flemming says the change means teachers will have to contribute more to their pension plan, if they decide to retire in their mid fifties then they'll get less than if they worked longer and cost of living increases will depend on how well the fund performs.

He also argues the government is actually doing the teachers a favor if you look at what is happening elsewhere. Flemming points out even a city such as San Jose, California in Silicon Valley, no less, is on the verge of bankruptcy because of unfunded pension liabilities.

Counsellor Delivering Workshop On Sexual Ethics

Most of us get our sexual health education in high school, but New Brunswick Community College counselor suggests we may not be learning enough. 

Kris Trotter is giving a Valentine's Day presentation in Saint John on sexual ethics, something she says isn't really covered in our educational system. Trotter tells Tide News teachers and parents tell her that young people are learning about the hardware, they know about biology and sexual acts, but there hasn't been enough in terms of managing what she calls the software.

Trotter says it's largely about being able to accurately read someone's body language and checking in if you're unsure. The workshop is being held on Friday, February 14 at 7pm at Saint John High School and is being offered through UNB Saint John Leisure Learning Courses. For more information contact pce-saintjohn@unb.ca or call 648-5962.