TORONTO, Ont. – The Ontario Liberals have confirmed that they will be introducing legislation that would impose a wage freeze for teachers.

The announcement was made by education minister Lauren Broten at Queen’s Park, Thursday.

She said this legislation is in the best interest of students and parents.

“We must act now in the best interest of students and parents to ensure that school starts on time and that we protect the gains we’ve made in education,” said Broten.

The legislation being put forward is called the “Putting Students First Act.”

The province has given school boards and teachers until Sept. 1 to sign local agreements similar to one it reached with English Catholic teachers.

If they don’t, the draft bill would impose similar terms on all teachers until a new two-year contract is signed and approved by the government.

If passed, the legislation would impose a wage freeze on teachers and give the government the power to ban a strike or lockout for the next two school years.

The government would also have the authority to impose a new collective agreement.

The Liberals say the new legislation would save over $500-million.