December 17th, 2024

NDP: Ford’s systemic underfunding is setting Ontario’s students back a generation

QUEENS PARK – Marit Stiles, Leader of the Ontario NDP and MPP Chandra Pasma, NDP Critic for Education released the following statement in response to the FAO’s report on the state of our schools:

“Today’s report makes it clear that Ford’s cuts to education are setting our students back by a generation,” said Marit Stiles. “Schools are facing mould and flooding with the lowest per-student funding in ten years. Things need to change, and fast. We need to start investing in our schools because when kids learn in safe, healthy schools, they do better. They reach their potential. And when we invest in their success, we build a stronger future for all of us.”

The FAO has identified that current funding levels will only allow the backlog to grow, putting Ontario on a trajectory to have nearly 75% of schools below the state of good repair by 2034. This does not account for the growing number of schools facing unsafe drinking water and temperatures unsuitable for a learning environment.

“For six years, this government has failed to invest in our students,” added Pasma. “Instead of schools that set them up for success, kids are faced with crumbling ceilings and crowded classrooms. It’s time to end these cuts and treat our schools like the priority they are, because our kids deserve so much better.”

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