New Brunswick teachers want the Liberal government to act quickly on key issues facing the education sector.

Peter Lagacy said a new government means a chance to tackle systemic issues, such as teacher shortages and workplace conditions.

“As we approach the winter semester, we urge government to deliver not just promises, but tangible actions,” Lagacy told reporters on Tuesday.

“This includes concrete steps to improve working conditions, competitive retention and recruitment initiatives, and resources that empower teachers to focus on what they do best.”

New Brunswick is at a “critical point” with about 1,200 teachers set to retire in the next four years, he said.

There are also increasing staffing gaps filled by community members without teaching certification and schools struggling with daily staffing vacancies.

Lagacy said believes government should look at increasing education seats in universities, at least for the near future.

“I think we’ve got to look at capacity. I don’t think we want to get into a place where we have all kinds of teachers without jobs,” he said.

“But it’s certainly, I think, drilling down into some of that data for sure to know exactly how many teachers in those education programs plan on staying in the province and working in the province.”

Lagacy said his association looks forward to working with the multiple cabinet ministers whose portfolios include education within their mandate letters.