During the Ontario election campaign, while issues such as Trump’s tariffs, housing, and health care have garnered significant attention, educators are urging voters to focus on the stances of major parties regarding the province’s public school system.
Karen Brown, president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, emphasized the importance of investing in a strong education system, noting the necessity of a government with a clear vision for public education.
The NDP and Green Party have both committed to boosting funding by $1,500 per elementary and secondary school student, aiming to offset previous cuts made under the PC government. In contrast, the Liberals have pledged an unspecified increase in per-student funding, while the Progressive Conservatives have yet to disclose their education plans.
Expressing concern, Brown highlighted the lack of transparency in the PC party’s education platform, emphasizing the need for Ontarians to be informed about their direction.
PC Leader Doug Ford defended his government’s education funding record, claiming they have allocated more resources than any previous administration in Ontario’s history. However, Karen Littlewood, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, criticized the PC government for insufficiently funding public education, leading to widespread repercussions across the system.
Apart from funding, parties’ campaign promises also address issues such as food programs, class sizes, and school building repairs. The NDP plans to implement a province-wide school food program, while the Liberals aim to increase funding for such programs. Additionally, the Liberals intend to reintroduce a one-year teaching degree program. The Ontario Green Party has committed to reducing class sizes and ensuring affordable child care for rural families.
All three parties have vowed to address the province’s school repair backlog, a challenging task given the estimated cost of $31.4 billion over the next decade, according to the province’s fiscal watchdog.
