Ontario Education Minister Mitzie Hunter will visit both Paisley Central School as well as Beavercrest Community School in Markdale on Wednesday.
Hunter's trip to the two Bluewater Schools follows Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker's recent ejection from the Ontario Legislature, where he railed against Hunter's lack of compassion for schools in rural communities across Ontario.
During question period on April 3, Walker called on Hunter to impose a moratorium on school closures, primarily so a new funding formula could be established. Hunter replied that she had spoken directly to Bluewater District School Board chairperson Ron Motz. Hunter went on to say that having an arbitrary moratorium is a bad idea. Walker then asked Hunter if she was "a promise-breaker, or a collaborator."
As Hunter was answering the question, Speaker David Levac warned Walker about interruptions during the education minister's answer. Walker also interrupted on the proceeding question, resulting in his removal from legislature by the sergeant-at-arms.
As he was escorted out, Walker implored both Hunter and Premier Kathleen Wynne to "Do the honourable thing. It's never too late to do the right thing."
Hunter is scheduled to be in Paisley at 12:55pm, and then in Markdale at 2:30pm.