Premier Stephen McNeil says an unelected official will not dictate how the government spends taxpayers’ money.
McNeil was in Lunenburg last week and made the comments in relation to the ongoing contract talks with the Nova Scotia Teacher’s Union.
“I asked to be the premier of this province. I take this responsibility seriously and I will not make a decision that some future government will have to deal with. I think it’s irresponsible. I’m asked to manage today and I’ll deal with our realities of today.”
The premier says he won’t allow the negotiations to go to arbitration.
“I’ve made it clear from the very beginning. No third-party unelected official will tell our government what it is we have to pay. Nova Scotians elected us to manage this province.”
Mc Neil says the deal offered to the teacher’s union is in line with what the province can afford to pay.
He says it’s similar to considerations given to doctors, nurses and other government employees.
McNeil says the inclusion of a “me too” clause was to ensure all groups negotiating with government would be treated fairly.
The Liberals have already passed back-to-work legislation but haven’t enacted it as they wait to see how negotiations play out.
