NDP responds to school staffing and stress crisis report

QUEEN’S PARK – The NDP’s Education critic Marit Stiles renewed the NDP’s demand on the Ford government to stop cuts to education and support educators and students after a survey of Ontario principals by People for Education found “a perfect storm of stress” as COVID challenges remain unaddressed.

“Ontario’s principals have confirmed that our education system is in a crisis. Throughout the pandemic, Doug Ford refused to invest in our schools to keep kids and staff safe. School staff took it upon themselves to protect students and each other,” said Stiles.

“But principals have been pushed to the limit with no help from the Ford government to address ongoing school challenges. Public schools continue to face staff shortages, and insufficient supports for student and staff mental health. The alarm bells have been ringing but Doug Ford just won't listen. It’s time for this government to take action for our kids, our schools, families and educators.”

Stiles also demanded the Ford government come clean on reports the government directed drafters to remove examples related to “climate change actions” from the new science curriculum. During question period on Monday, Stiles demanded answers from Doug Ford and called for a reversal of this decision. The Ford government did not deny that they had removed these references from the curriculum.

“The climate crisis is real and an urgent threat to our way of life. Keeping it out of the science curriculum in early grades won't prepare students for the reality they are going to inherit,” said Stiles. “Doug Ford needs to keep climate science and climate change action in the science curriculum.”