TORONTO, ON – Ontario families need the confidence that, in times of economic uncertainty, their children will have access to the supports and opportunities they need to succeed with adequately funded public education. After eight years of chronic underfunding and cuts to public education, today’s fall economic statement further undermines this confidence.

“While the provincial government prepares to give billions of dollars in tax breaks to large corporations, it continues to overlook mounting challenges in Ontario’s public schools,” says ETFO President David Mastin. “Families across Ontario are navigating economic uncertainty and rising costs, and they deserve to know that their children will have the supports they need to succeed, but years of underfunding have left students and educators facing larger class sizes, rising violence in schools, and growing unmet needs.”

The government’s economic statement misses an opportunity to begin addressing the damage its policies have caused in public education. Students and educators have spent years coping with the consequences of chronic underfunding, $6.5 billion in cuts since 2018, while schools are expected to do more with less as student needs become increasingly complex.

Strong publicly funded education is one of the most effective investments governments can make to support Ontario’s future. Public education strengthens communities, drives economic growth, and helps ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Adds Mastin, “Investing in public education is investing in Ontario’s future. Students deserve the programs, supports, and learning conditions they need to succeed, and families and educators deserve a government that treats public education as a priority.”

ETFO represents approximately 84,000 members, including public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators, education support personnel, and professional support personnel. Visit BuildingBetterSchools.ca.