Teachers, parents, and supporters took part in protests across numerous Ontario municipalities on Saturday to oppose recent provincial education changes as the collective agreement with educators neared expiration before the upcoming school year.
Lisa Lacaria, the first vice president of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA), emphasized the importance of prioritizing education in the province during a gathering outside Queen’s Park.
Participants at the demonstrations expressed discontent over alterations made by the province to the English school system after placing certain school boards under supervision earlier in the year. Bill 101, also known as the “Putting Student Achievement First Act,” limited the number of elected trustees for boards and introduced roles focused on financial oversight following allegations of financial mismanagement.
Despite these changes, Lacaria highlighted that underfunding remains a significant issue affecting classrooms, where essential resources and personnel are lacking, ultimately impacting students.
Education Minister Paul Calandra’s office was contacted for comment by CBC Toronto but did not respond before the deadline. However, Calandra expressed optimism in a recent statement to CBC News, assuring a normal school year resumption in September amid ongoing negotiations.
As the deadline for the collective agreement approaches on Monday, concerns loom for parents and teachers as both parties are yet to finalize an agreement. Disagreements persist between the province and education unions on negotiation terms, fueling uncertainty over the impending school year.
Peter Tabuns, MPP for Toronto-Danforth, voiced apprehension at a rally in Toronto’s east end, warning that stalled negotiations could escalate to strike actions, adversely affecting the upcoming school term.
Michelle Aarts, Toronto District School Board (TDSB) trustee for Beaches-East York, echoed frustrations among staff and parents regarding recent school system changes that have led to program cancellations and the erosion of best practices, creating hurdles for families.
Kate Dupuis, a local mom with children in the TDSB, criticized the province’s education strategy, demanding adequate funding for schools to provide deserving resources for children. Concerns were raised over reduced support for school librarians and shared administrative roles within schools.
In hopes of raising awareness beyond those directly impacted by the education system, Lacaria urged for broader attention to the challenges faced in schools and called on Premier Doug Ford to prioritize children’s needs above all else.