NDP: Ford government’s latest move will make our classrooms less safe

TORONTO – NDP Shadow Minister for Education Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West – Nepean), and Shadow Minister for Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity with responsibility for the Ontario Autism Program Alexa Gilmour (Parkdale—High Park), issued the following joint statement in response to the proposal to expand class sizes for its specialized programs for students with disabilities:

“Children with special needs deserve to learn in a safe, equitable environment, but Ford’s deep cuts to education funding have done serious harm,” said Pasma. “Chronic underfunding is already hurting kids with disabilities and special needs. More crowded classrooms will only make things worse for teachers and students.”

“This is what happens when Premier Ford and Minister Calandra are more focused on forcing more cuts, instead of fixing a system that is failing kids with special needs. These children are not just numbers on a budget sheet – they are our future.”

“Teachers are burning out. Vulnerable students' health and safety are in jeopardy. For years, students with disabilities have borne the brunt of the Ford government's education cuts. Enough is enough,” Gilmore added.

“Class size plays a significant role in students' education and quality of care—I’ve seen it firsthand from touring Toronto's special needs schools. Instead of threatening school boards, the Minister needs to urgently ensure safe learning conditions in special education classrooms.”