There are restrictions on media coverage of a public meeting in Thedford Wednesday night to discuss the government's plan to close rural schools.
An invitation, sent by the Issues Management Team at the Ministry of Education, says there will be no photographs or video recordings once the engagement session begins.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton says it's one of ten meetings province-wide to discuss rural school closures.
"We know according to the Liberal government's own numbers that they're planning on closing hundreds of schools in the next several months, and they're doing this under a veil of secrecy," says McNaughton.
He and Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey questioned the premier last week about the restrictions.
"I've long fought against rural school closures and I just think it's disrespectful of the government to prevent the media from doing their job and reporting on what happens during these so-called public meetings," says Bailey. "I'm on record saying that clearly the government needs to have a moratorium on further school closings until the funding formula has been reviewed by the provincial government."
He says it's important that people in Ontario hear what's happening at these public meetings and that mothers and fathers and all families have a say in the future of schools in their communities.
Premier Kathleen Wynne has said in the legislature that the ban is in place so those in attendance can speak freely and not have their remarks made public.
The forum at the Thedford Legacy Centre goes from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.