Education Is The Base For A Great Future
The Green Party of Ontario, has consistently called for increased investment in schools, a student-centered approach to education, and respect for education workers' rights. The party continues to advocate for smaller class sizes, modernized school infrastructure, and fair funding for post-secondary institutions to ensure a high-quality and accessible education system for all. We have been the voice of reason fending education at Queens Park.
Ali
Over the past years, the Ontario government has made several controversial decisions that have negatively impacted the education system. From chronic underfunding and school repair backlogs to the push for mandatory e-learning and the causing the education system's financial crisis.
Q: What is threatening Ontario Education?
A: Examples:
- Underfunding of School Repairs
- Bill 28: Keeping Students in Class Act
- Hybrid Learning Models
- Elimination of Free Tuition for Low-Income Students
- Cancellation of Indigenous Curriculum Writing Sessions
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Underfunding of School Repairs
Reports from the Financial Accountability Office indicated that 37.4% of Ontario's schools were in a state of disrepair, with an estimated $6.5 billion needed to address these deficiencies. Despite available funds, the government has not taken substantial action to resolve the backlog.
The Green Party of Ontario criticized the government's failure to invest in school repairs, stating that neglecting infrastructure harms student learning conditions and safety. The party called for immediate investment to modernize school facilities.
Bill 28: Keeping Students in Class Act
In November 2022, the Ontario government passed Bill 28, which imposed a contract on education workers and prohibited them from striking. The bill also invoked the notwithstanding clause, preventing legal challenges to its enforcement.
The Green Party strongly opposed Bill 28, arguing that it violated workers' rights to collective bargaining and set a dangerous precedent for government overreach. The party demanded the repeal of the bill and urged the government to negotiate in good faith with education workers.
Hybrid Learning Models
The Ontario government proposed implementing hybrid learning, combining in-person and online instruction as a permanent part of the curriculum. Critics argued that this move would reduce classroom resources and lead to privatization of education.
The Green Party opposed mandatory hybrid learning, warning that it worsens inequities among students, especially for those lacking access to technology or requiring special education support. The party called for increased funding to improve in-person learning environments.
Elimination of Free Tuition for Low-Income Students
The Ontario government eliminated free tuition for low-income students, replacing it with a 10% reduction in overall tuition fees. This disproportionately impacted students from low-income backgrounds, making it harder for them to afford post-secondary education.
The Green Party strongly opposed the elimination of free tuition, calling it a barrier to equal education access. The party advocated for the reinstatement of free tuition programs to ensure fair opportunities for all students.
Cancellation of Indigenous Curriculum Writing Sessions
In July 2018, the government canceled curriculum-writing sessions that were mandated by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to integrate Indigenous history and perspectives into the school curriculum.
Green Party's Response: The Green Party criticized the decision, arguing that it disrespected Indigenous communities and hindered reconciliation efforts. They demanded the immediate reinstatement of the curriculum updates to honor commitments to Indigenous education.
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