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Teachers keep concerns front and centre at Family Day event (5 photos)

Union president says their goal wasn't to 'cause a ruckus', while Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin says government is 'laser-focused' on finding resolution

Family Day events kept folks busy from one end of Barrie to the other, but one event also included some protesters.

The second annual Family Day Skate, hosted by Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin and Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey, took place Monday at the Holly Community Centre in the city's south end.

Khanjin told BarrieToday she was happy to be part of the community skate and was looking forward to getting out there herself.

“Family Day is a great day to remind the community to come together and enjoy the time with their loved ones,” she said. “I’ve got my skates with me and, after meeting with some people here in the lobby, I will be hitting the ice.”

There were also members and supporters of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) with a table and information at the Holly Community Centre.

Khanjin says she's looking forward to resolving the bargaining divide with teachers across Ontario, which has led to several strike days, with another multi-board job action occurring this coming Friday (Feb. 21).

“There are plenty of recreation centres around Barrie and they’re open to everyone to rent, no matter what background you’re coming from,” Khanjin said. “This is a fun day for all and, as a government, we are looking forward to a resolution as we want students in the classroom. We’re laser-focused on that.”

Jen Hare, bargaining union president with the OSSTF's Simcoe County branch, said it was important to have teachers and their supporters on hand for the MPP’s Family Day event.

“We’re not here to cause a fuss, or cause a ruckus. We’re just here to basically remind our MPPs that we are part of this community,” Hare told BarrieToday. “We are 8,000 strong in this community and we just want them to know that our families are equally as important as the rest of their constituents.”

The Simcoe County Museum also held its annual Family Day event, which included skating, snowshoeing, tobogganing and other fun activities.

The Morrison family was among the hundreds of people who came through the doors for the museum's Family Day event.

Luke Morrison, who brought his five kids out to the museum in Midhurst for some skating, said it was a great opportunity to spend quality time together outdoors.

“These kids are all big skaters and it's their first time out, so it is pretty exciting to be here,” he said.

“The really cool part is the sun is shining and the weather is fantastic," Morrison said. "It's a great way to get outdoors and let the air hit your face."