Mr. Speaker, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, designated October 5, 1997 as world teachers day, a day to honour the teaching profession.
Before entering this House in 1993 I spent my entire professional career in education. I began as a teacher and progressed through the ranks to become a vice-principal, principal and superintendent with the Oxford County Board of Education.
Throughout my career I had the pleasure of working with teachers who taught all grades from pre-kindergarten through grade 13. These teachers deserve our thanks not only on world teachers day but on every day of the year. Whether in the classrooms, coaching sports teams, supervising clubs or directing a school play, teachers play an integral role in the development of our children.
On behalf of all members, I applaud our teachers for the valuable work they do.