Internationally known as the ‘Premier of Education,’ former Premier of Ontario Canada Dalton McGuinty said the most powerful way to shape the future of the world is through education.

As a guest on popular talk show Jones and Company, the former politician who visited the Bahamas to take part in the 19th Caribbean Conference of Education Ministers, said education as a political leader is his top priority.

Mr. McGuinty said as far back as he can remember, when leaders wanted to target the future, they aimed for the children.

“It seems to me that since the dawn of humanity, all human progress has been as a result of a loving commitment as a part of the older generation to build a better, safer, happier world for the younger generation,” he said.

“In our time, the best way to express that love and commitment is through education. So, I was determined to find a way to improve the quality of our education in our young people by firstly, targeting schools.”

Mr. McGuinty said education although expensive is worth the investment.

After being afforded a budget of some $20 billion to improve the education system and advancement levels of students in his country, Mr. McGuinty said the graduation rate of students increased by nearly 29 per cent.

“I understand that in a world where we are becoming more interconnected and interdependent and where we have moved into a knowledge economy, the single most important thing I thought to do to build a strong economy and caring society with engaged citizen rate was to invest in our children by giving them the absolute best education possible.”

Mr. McGuinty said he would encourage the government to make a greater investment in education to secure a better future.