Province officially reaches tentative deal with teachers

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

A tentative contract agreement has been reached between the provincial government and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union.

Premier Tim Houston’s office confirmed the deal in a new release just before 6 p.m. Friday.

“I’m very happy the bargaining teams were able to arrive at a tentative agreement that is fair to teachers and ensures improved classroom conditions for students and teachers,” Houston said. “My sincere thanks go out to everyone around the bargaining table who put in long hours to negotiate this agreement.”

The premier announced a “deal in principle” had been reached last week, after teachers voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate earlier in April.

No details of the contract will be released until it is ratified by teachers, but the province says it addresses teacher concerns and increases support for student through “significant” investment.