Ontario Conservative party leader Tim Hudak picks up his copy of the provincial budget at Queens Park in Toronto on March 27, 2012.MARK BLINCH/Reuters
Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says his party will help pass controversial legislation that will force new contracts on thousands of Ontario teachers.
The minority Liberals plan to introduce the bill, which will also ban lockouts and strikes, early next week.
Mr. Hudak hinted earlier this week that his party would be prepared to help the Liberals to get the legislation passed, but didn't make it clear until today.
He says the Tories will still examine the bill for any potential "loopholes" that could add more spending, but that the legislation will pass.
Mr. Hudak says he's glad the Liberals have finally come around to his way of thinking by legislating wage freezes to tackle a $15-billion deficit.
He wouldn't say whether the Tories will vote for the bill or simply abstain, which would still allow it to become law.