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.
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.
