Pasma: Ford government gambling away our kids’ future with inexperienced political appointees

QUEEN’S PARK –– As the Ford government just announced taking over the Peel District School Board and York Catholic District School Board, Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Education Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West–Nepean) says the latest appointments show the government once again putting politics ahead of students.

“It’s nearly impossible to see how this decision will help students. Instead of bringing in
experienced educators who understand classrooms and student needs, Minister Calandra
has handed control to former Conservative government staffers, one of whom is a casino
executive and a Harris-era Chief of Staff.

“The other one of his appointees headed up the Ministry of Long-Term care during the pandemic, when seniors were losing their lives in horrible conditions. Is this who Minister Calandra wants in charge of our schools?

“Students, parents, and educators should be at the centre of decisions about our schools. Instead, Minister Calandra is blatantly ignoring the voices that should matter most and handing control to political insiders.

“Where is the accountability when what we’re seeing is more political interference in public education. When you put people with backgrounds in consulting and gambling in charge of our school boards, it feels like the Ford government is gambling away our kids’ future.

“If the Ford government truly cared about students, they would stop playing politics with our schools and start properly funding them. That means supporting educators, giving boards the stability they need, and listening to the voices that matter most in our education system.”