Jill Dunlop still doesn't want to talk about it

Back-to-school blues

PROGRAMMING NOTE: I’m getting out of dodge this Labour Day and will be back in your inboxes bright and early on Tuesday. Enjoy the last long — and dry! — weekend of summer.

ABOVE THE FOLD

DUNLOP DEBUTS — In her first press conference as Education Minister, JILL DUNLOP pumped up the province’s cellphone ban in schools as students go back to class next week — but questions abound.

Dunlop may be new to the file, but she’s no stranger to evasive newsers. Thursday was no different.

“This is a culture change in the classroom,” Dunlop said as the province launches an advertising blitz, including online and in print, to remind families of the ban on cellphones (ditto vapes).

Pressed on enforcement — something teachers’ unions have raised concerns about — Dunlop stuck to her talking points about cellphones being a distraction. She would only say that it will be up to teachers, who can ask students to put their phones away in a safe space, or they’ll be sent to the principal’s office.

“We have …