Bernadette White/CBC)

The province’s Liberal government passed a law limiting the number of students and teachers who can be licensed by the College of Teachers of Education within a year of receiving their degrees. It was to go into effect at the end of June.

After the court ruling, that deadline is Wednesday. Instead of waiting for the Supreme Court to make a ruling, the provincial government and teachers have asked for a stay because of the need to consult with teachers and parents, as well as deal with concerns raised by teachers.

The province asked the court to uphold the law, arguing that a one-year limitation was needed to help teachers and students keep up with the needs of a modern curriculum.

The teachers had argued that the law placed “significant pressure” on teachers and universities to stay and teach during the trial on the licensing law.

‘Credible allegations’ raised

Both sides have brought arguments to a judge on the matter.

Baker & McKenzie lawyer Eric Minton, who represents Pearson, argued that the law is fair and well thought through.

He said people who are looking for work at Pearson have a choice of accepting the job or looking for work elsewhere. The legal case wasn’t about who gets the jobs, Minton said.

“There are people who will use this process for a year without the benefit of the knowledge, training and experience that a year in teaching will give them,” he said in court. “Those people may come back.”

Baker & McKenzie lawyer Eric Minton, who represents Pearson, argues in court that the Pearson deal was done in good faith and with the support of the province and teachers in Ontario. (CBC)

Minton said that the law doesn’t violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms because it is limited to two years.

“The only issue that remains… is what are the damages that should be assessed against the [government]. And that’s really the next step, when will the damages be assessed. And that will then lead to the assessment of what was done, and is that right within the limits of being within the limits of the Charter.”