NDP calls again for new plan for schools

QUEEN'S PARK — With the Ford government quietly indicating that it may shutter schools in January as a result of skyrocketing COVID-19 numbers, the NDP says Ford’s choice not to invest in stronger health protections in schools must change.

“Just days ago, Education Minister Stephen Lecce was trying to downplay the risk to children by saying that 90-some per cent of students aren’t sick. Now they’re saying they may just shut it all down,” said NDP Education critic Marit Stiles.

“Parents, kids and staff deserve a plan that’s a hell of a lot more sophisticated than open-or-closed. There is months left in this pandemic to go, and we need a strategy in place that will protect kids until this pandemic nightmare is over.”

The NDP has been calling for a broad asymptomatic testing regime in schools, class sizes capped at 15, busses capped at 50 per cent capacity, and better ventilation in schools.

“Doug Ford’s plan to sit back and wait for a vaccine is a dumpster fire. It’s costing our families dearly, and it has to change,” said Stiles.

Over 7,000 students and staff have contracted COVID-19, including another 170 reported Thursday.