Ouellette will vote against faith-base funding

OSHAWA -- If John Tory is elected and calls a free vote on the issue of funding religious schools, Oshawa’s Progressive Conservative candidate will be voting against it.

Incumbent Jerry Ouellette joined the growing chorus of Conservative party members and candidates speaking out against the faith-based school policy, at a press conference Monday afternoon.

“I will vote against any movement to expand faith-based funding beyond what it is today,” he said.

His announcement came on the heels of one by Mr. Tory earlier in the day, in which he vowed to hold a free vote on the issue if he becomes premier.

Earlier in the day Monday, Mr. Tory consulted with all the party’s candidates. Many have bemoaned voter reaction to the policy and requested a free vote if the Progressive Conservatives form a government.

Speaking to supporters and media at his campaign office, Mr. Ouellette said his decision was partly based on his personal belief that the current education funding model is working well and partly based on feedback from voters.

“I’ve knocked on between 12,000 and 15,000 doors and I honestly don’t think I can remember one that supported it,” Mr. Ouellette said. “I will support the will of the people of Oshawa on this and they are overwhelmingly against it.”

The incumbent added he doesn’t feel pressure to toe the party line, saying he has voted against his party in the past.

Mr. Tory’s plan to spend $400 million to bring private religious schools under the public umbrella has been hugely divisive during this campaign, drawing criticism from within his own party and denouncements from the Liberal and NDP camps.

Mr. Ouellette is not the only Progressive Conservative who has said he will vote against extending funding to faith-based private schools. Bill Murdoch, incumbent MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound made the same pledge last week, while the Hamilton Spectator quoted Hamilton East-Stoney Creek candidate Tara Crugnale saying she can’t support the policy.