Teachers' federation head Gilles Arsenault on teachers' rally, his new job

Tuesday — Gilles Arsenault's last day as president of the P.E.I. Teachers' Federation — was an eventful one.

Arsenault confirmed to CBC News in the morning that he would step into a new role as Department of Education co-ordinator of French programs in September.

That had some wondering whether that put Arsenault, who was part of a team negotiating on behalf of teachers with the province in recent months, in a conflict of interest.

Also on Tuesday, about 100 people gathered in front of the Coles Building to participate in an unofficial rally against the government's recent announcement that it will cut 28 teachers from the English Language School Board.

The night before, Arsenault had cancelled an official rally.

He sent an email to teachers Tuesday, saying the federation didn't support teachers gathering despite the cancellation and that the government is "sincere in their intent to reinstate up to 28 teaching positions pending a review of classroom needs."