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A Request from Teacher Rick Boon to Accompany his Father to Liberation Ceremony

Here's a fact -  some people really deserve a punch in the face.

Sorry if any of the mamby-pambys find that offensive.
 
http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2015/04/29/support-for-veteran-art-boon-continues-from-across-the-community-including-students-who-plan-protest

Support for Veteran Art Boon continues from across the community including students who plan protest

By Laura Cudworth, The Beacon Herald

Wednesday, April 29, 2015 10:48:38 EDT AM

The president of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario District 8, expressed his disappointment Wednesday morning about a decision that will deny a teacher the opportunity to accompany his father, a Second World War veteran, to liberation ceremonies in the Netherlands.

Kent Cleland said the Avon Maitland District School Board had options it chose not to exercise when making its decision about whether or not to grant teacher Rick Boon unpaid leave to travel with his father Art Boon.

"Applying for and granting leaves of absence is a contractual issue covered by our local collective agreement. The board has the ability to approve or deny requests for leaves. In this case, the board exercised its discretion in an arbitrary and unfair manner when it denied the teacher the opportunity to attend a once in a lifetime event that can never be replicated," Kent said.

He added the trip would provide a unique educational opportunity.

Rick Boon has not spoken publicly about the decision and has not filed a grievance. Cleland said no grievance was filed because Rick Boon just wanted what was best for his father.

Art Boon was invited by the Dutch government to attend liberation ceremonies. Boon, 90, was counting on making the trip with his son. But time is running out as Boon is scheduled to leave Friday.

Art Boon has been a mainstay in local schools sharing his experiences of the war and he plans to attend a history class at Northwestern Secondary School Wednesday afternoon.

At the same time, students at Central Secondary School have organized a peaceful protest at noon in support of Art Boon called #noonforboon.

Before they walk out, Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece will ask a question in Question Period at about 11:30 a.m. regarding the Boon controversy.

World-renowned musician Loreena McKennitt will also host a public meeting Thursday night at the Stratford City Hall Auditorium starting at 7:30 p.m. The evening will explore the "lessons learned" regarding the denial and resulting public outcry.

There panel will be moderated by writer/broadcaster Ted Barris with panel invitees including AMDSB trustees, Art Boon and Loreena McKennitt. Public participation will also be encouraged.

McKennitt has been a strong supporter of the Boons and started a petition and letter campaign last week. The letters and signatures were presented to the board on Monday. She has also sought legal advice regarding the issue from Toronto lawyer Michael Watson. Last night, he asked school board trustees to develop a policy for leaves of absence specific to events commemorating conflicts in which the Canadian military played a role.

laura.cudworth@sunmedia.ca
 
http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2015/04/28/avon-maitland-school-board-is-under-fire-for-refusing-to-grant-rick-boon-unpaid-leave-to-accompany-his-dad-to-celebrations

Avon Maitland school board is under fire for refusing to grant Rick Boon unpaid leave to accompany his dad to celebrations

By Bruce Urquhart, Postmedia Network

Tuesday, April 28, 2015 10:02:22 EDT PM

STRATFORD - The public outcry is growing.

What began as a trickle last week has became a torrent of criticism as the Stratford-area public school board stands firm, refusing to reverse a decision to deny a teacher unpaid leave to accompany his war veteran father to next week’s 70th-anniversary liberation celebrations in the Netherlands.

Canadians from across the country have taken to social media to denounce the Avon Maitland District school board for not granting history teacher Rick Boon his request for two weeks off to accompany his father, liberation veteran Art Boon, on the strenuous journey.

Tuesday, on Facebook, an Avon Maitland District school board post of its statement explaining its decision had drawn hundreds of angry comments. The page also came under a barrage of other derisive posts.

"The (school board) becomes more of an embarrassment to Stratford’s citizens and its students as the Boon decision gains national notoriety," Kate Sanderson wrote in one post. "Face-saving over a head-smackingly poor decision by petty bureaucrats is no way to show support for our history or its heroes. A lesson in what not to teach, for us all."

Even a post about an upcoming educational workshop in Stratford drew public ire.

"How about bring someone in to lead a workshop with your brass on how to respect our veterans," wrote Londoner Adam Holowitz.

Boon, 90, an old tank gunner, has been invited by the Dutch to take part in the ceremonies in Holland, a tiny country whose German occupation during the Second World War was broken with crucial help from Canadians, more than 7,600 of whom died in the cause.

Next Tuesday is the 70th anniversary of the German surrender.

Since the story broke last week, legions of Canadians have signed an online petition organized by acclaimed musician Loreena McKennitt, trying to get Boon to Holland, and his story has boomeranged nationwide. His case was also plugged on the floor of the House of Commons by MP Gary Schellenberger, a Stratford-area MP, who called the board’s decision a "travesty."

Even CBC TV comedian Rick Mercer weighed in, taking this swipe at the board in a tweet: "Avon Maitland School Board proudly stands by decision to be cruel & unusual to 90-year-old Second World War veteran."

The school board has been quiet since a statement late Sunday about its decision, which indicated the timing of the request and number of previous leaves granted were considerations.

A decorated D-Day veteran, Art Boon has travelled to Europe before with his son on leave from work.

"He knows what I do," the veteran said of his son.

"Sometimes in the airport, it’s not an easy time and he knows my medical needs."

With files by Laura Cudworth, Stratford Beacon Herald

--- --- ---

FLAK ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Among the reaction:

Shame on the powers that be. — Jeff Buhrow

"Without the sacrifice of our veterans, the (school) board may not have jobs; there may be no country. in fact." — Peg Hutnick

"Time for the school board to give back. Art Boon has contributed to the school and asked for nothing in return. Let his son accompany him. — James Randall Lowe
 
WARMINGTON
War vet's plight strikes nerve with readers
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/04/29/war-vets-plight-strikes-nerve-with-readers

 
I'll bet the board trustee's are already practicing retirement speeches for after the next local elections.
 
It takes a lot to impress me.

This story did:

http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2015/04/29/peaceful-student-protest-at-central-secondary-school-in-honour-of-veteran-art-boon

Peaceful student protest at Central Secondary School in honour of veteran Art Boon

By Laura Cudworth, The Beacon Herald

Wednesday, April 29, 2015 5:16:52 EDT PM

The claim teenagers are entitled and don't know their own history could not be made Wednesday afternoon as they filed out of their high school to show their gratitude toward a local veteran.

That veteran is 90-year-old Art Boon. He is scheduled to leave for the Netherlands on Friday to participate in liberation ceremonies over the next two weeks. His son Rick Boon, a teacher at the Avon Maitland District School Board, requested an unpaid leave to accompany his father. That request was denied.

On Tuesday night, as teenagers do, they were talking on social media about the decision. By 10 p.m. a group of students at Central Secondary School came up with the idea of a peaceful walkout for the following afternoon and dubbed it #noonforboon.

"It's the whole idea of pay it forward," said Mariana Buchanan, co-organizer. "He's given so much to us, we want to give something back to him."

At 12 p.m. Wednesday about 100 students gathered outside the school chanting "do the right thing" and holding signs with slogans like "respect our heroes." Moments later they broke into a hearty chorus of O Canada.

They marched to the cenotaph and took up their chant once again.

"I was upset from the get go, I was very upset about this. I thought it was something that goes beyond careers and teachers and students and the board, it's really a matter of national pride," said Nat MacPherson, co-organizer.

From the school board's perspective, it's a matter between an employer and employee. The board released a statement early this week listing some of the considerations taken into account when leave requests are submitted including the length of the leave and the impact it will have on students and other teachers.

"We have supported Art Boon many times in the past by granting leaves to his son," said Steve Howe, manager of communications for the school board.

The school board has stood firmly behind its decision.

"Ideally the board would go back on its decision but at the very least we would like other people to see us as high school students who have their own opinion and we'd like to be heard," said Myles Avigdor, co-organizer. "I doubt they're going to budge."

Even with that doubt, one of the key messages was of gratitude toward Boon for both his service during the Second World War and his service as a speaker in their schools.

Boon wasn't at the protest but he heard about it afterwards.

"I appreciate their support and I always enjoy talking to them," Boon said.

He added, he hates to see kids walk out of school because that's where they belong, but he was glad to hear they went to the cenotaph which he called "sacred ground" for veterans.

laura.cudworth@sunmedia.ca
 
More of the latest via e-mail dated today (attached) - highlights mine:
Over 25,000 Canadians have now signed a petition asking that  Stratford history teacher Rick Boon be granted unpaid time off to join his veteran father Art in Holland where he’ll be honoured D-Day anniversary ceremonies.

Art Boon is a 90-year-old Canadian World War II veteran who was among the first troops to storm the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and go on to liberate France and Holland from the Nazis. Holland’s government has invited Art to return there next week to commemorate the liberation’s 70th anniversary. His son Rick planned to join him to celebrate this proud moment, but has been unable to convince his employer, the Avon Maitland District School Board, to give him the time off work to go.

Despite a public outcry, School Board Secretary Ted Doherty reiterated earlier this week that they are refusing to grant the request.  Boon and his father were scheduled to depart for Holland tomorrow. There is a meeting of the school board tonight.

As Peterborough resident Zoe Jackson writes on her petition:

“Art really wants his son Rick to join him on the trip, to provide care and to share this proud moment with him. But right now, Rick can’t get time off work to go!  This is very special honour for Art and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for father and son. And its especially important since so few World War II veterans remain with us. Despite appeals from the Boon family and supporters across Canada, the board continues to publicly deny Rick time off for this trip, even without pay.  Time is running out for Art and Rick to make it to Holland before the ceremony. They need to leave by Friday.  As educators, the school board should set a good example by respecting and honouring our veterans, not by standing in their way. As Art Boon himself put it, “To have somebody just come up and slap you in the face like you’re not important – well, it is important.” ....
 
The latest (wonder who the dude in uniform is?):
Veteran Art Boon will fly to the Netherlands Friday night to take part in ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the country’s liberation from the Nazis.

Jamie Boon, his 20-year-old grandson, will be by his side.

Not making the trip will be Art Boon’s son Rick. The decision by the Avon Maitland District school board to deny Rick Boon’s request for unpaid leave sparked a wave of public and political indignation that resulted Thursday in a community meeting in Stratford and sharp criticism of the board by federal Veterans Affairs Minister Erin O’Toole ....
Interesting intervention by said Minister ....
The Minister of Veterans Affairs is urging the Avon Maitland District School Board to reverse its decision and allow a teacher to attend a special Second World War ceremony overseas with his 90-year-old veteran father.

Rick Boon’s father Art has been invited to attend a ceremony in Holland to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands from German occupation.

Boon, a teacher in Stratford, requested an unpaid leave from work to join his father but was denied by the school board.

Veteran Affairs Minister Erin O’Toole (pictured) tells AM980 he called the board and urged them to reconsider.

“Sticking to your guns when the guns are pointed the wrong way is not leadership,” said O’Toole.

“People are concerned because they want to see this veteran accommodated so he can go on his last major pilgrimage in a way that he’s comfortable, with a son who shares his passion for the history and commemoration.” ....
 
Good to see that Art's grandson will accompany him on this trip.

I disagree with the Minister of Veteran's Affairs using his position to intervene and ask the School Board to change their decision.  I see nothing wrong with him having joined the petition as Mr. O'Toole, but find it outside of his bounds to use his position as a Federal Minister to contact the School Board. 

I agree with the Minister's comment:  “Sticking to your guns when the guns are pointed the wrong way is not leadership.”
 
This is becoming surreal.

http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2015/05/01/last-minute-decision-means-veteran-art-boon-could-have-his-son-along-on-commemoration-trip-to-netherlands
Last-minute decision means veteran Art Boon could have son on commemoration trip to Netherlands

By Laura Cudworth, The Beacon Herald
Friday, May 1, 2015 2:26:24 EDT PM

After a public battle with his school board, teacher Rick Boon can travel to the Netherlands with his 90-year-old veteran father for the 70th anniversary celebration of that country’s liberation from the Nazis.

A statement from the Avon Maitland District School Board says Director of Education Ted Doherty hasn’t changed his position to grant Boon a leave of absence, but Boon won’t “be directed to attend work next week.”

“If Mr. Boon chooses to go to the Netherlands, we will sort out the legalities on his return. It should be clearly understood that Mr. Boon will not face any disciplinary action from the board,” Doherty said.

Boon had requested the leave to act as a caregiver to his father Art on the trip. Art landed on D-Day and helped liberate the Netherlands from Nazi tyranny.

Despite intense public pressure, including a petition and letter-writing campaign, the board stood firm in its decision until Friday. The Boons are scheduled to leave for Europe Friday night.

Late Thursday, Rick sought to attain his leave through the Employment Standards Act. Doherty said he has “grave concerns” about whether the request for unpaid leave is valid under the act, but there’s no time for a fair hearing.

“As stated. Mr. Boon will not be directed to attend work next week and, should he choose to go to the Netherlands, we, along with (the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario), will address the proper application of the Employment Standards Act upon his return.”
 
To add to Blackadder1916's post:  "Statement from Avon Maitland District School Board's Ted Doherty":
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/school-board-decides-to-let-teacher-travel-with-war-vet-dad-art-boon-1.3057358
 
Blackadder1916 said:
This is becoming surreal.

http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2015/05/01/last-minute-decision-means-veteran-art-boon-could-have-his-son-along-on-commemoration-trip-to-netherlands

"We're not not saying that he might not not get in trouble if he chooses to not not go to work next week, but we're not not not ruling out that there might not not be repercussions.  We hope this clears up our position in this matter."
 
Whenever I think that my respect for this board has reached the lowest level possible...
 
Loachman said:
Somebody from 4 RCR, but I do not recognize him.
Thanks for that.

Interesting phrasing ....
.... “sort out any legalities following his return” ....
As much as I'd like to see the son get the time off, it makes one wonder what we're NOT hearing about the teacher's situation/relationship/history re:  the board.
 
milnews.ca said:
As much as I'd like to see the son get the time off, it makes one wonder what we're NOT hearing about the teacher's situation/relationship/history re:  the board.

Did not the head of the board mention that they already had in the past granted permission for Mr. Boon to accompany his father overseas on several occasions?
 
jollyjacktar said:
Did not the head of the board mention that they already had in the past granted permission for Mr. Boon to accompany his father overseas on several occasions?
Loachman said:
I've read that in more than one place, but like media coverage of some labour-management issues, I wonder if there's more that's been left unsaid.

Either way, safe travels to Mr. Boon Sr. and whoever escorts him  :salute:
 
Yes, agreed.  I hope the Boon's have an excellent visit.


I wish I could have gone to Holland with my dad, especially at my age and life experience now.  :(
 
Late Thursday, Rick sought to attain his leave through the Employment Standards Act.

Out of curiosity, I looked up "Family Caregiver Leave" in the ESA.
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/guide/caregiver.php

According to the Act, "Family caregiver leave is unpaid, job-protected leave of up to eight weeks per calendar year per specified family member."
"The eight weeks can be taken consecutively or separately."

"Care or support includes, but is not limited to: providing psychological or emotional support;"

Doherty said he has “grave concerns” about whether the request for unpaid leave is valid under the act, but there’s no time for a fair hearing.


Not an expert in employment law, but ( as I understand the Act ) I don't believe there is a need for a hearing ( fair or otherwise ) with the Employer to ask permission:

1) "An employee must inform the employer in writing that he or she will be taking a family caregiver leave of absence."

2) "The employee does not have to have the medical certificate before he or she can start the leave, but a certificate must eventually be obtained."

Bon voyage!



 
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