“Children of this province need investments in their future, not power grabs,” NDP calls on Ford Government to stop underfunding education

TORONTO – Leader of the Official Opposition Marit Stiles was joined by Shadow Minister for Education Chandra Pasma, members from OSSTF, OTF, OECTA, OSBCU, local trustees, and families to urge the government to properly fund Ontario’s schools following years of chronic underfunding and cuts.

“Instead of focusing on the future of our schools and what’s best for students, the Minister of Education is forcing through a power grab that shuts out parents’ voices from their kids' education,” said Stiles.

“Every single person here knows: this decision had nothing to do with improving our schools, and everything to do with control.

“This government has no plan, no stability, and no vision. They’ve had five different Education Ministers in just eight years and all we have seen is more cuts, growing repair backlogs, overcrowded classrooms, and less resources for our kids.”

“Since coming into power, the Ford government has taken $6.36 billion out of our kids’ classrooms,” added Pasma. “Minister Calandra and the Progressive Conservatives are using this as an opportunity to to put political insiders with no interest in our kids’ future in charge of schools.”

“What the children of this province really need is investments in their future, not power grabs and political games.” added Marit.