As Vice President of the largest teachers’ union in Canada, I have the privilege of speaking with educators every day. I visit their classrooms, walk through their schools, and hear first-hand about their struggles and frustrations. But I also hear something else—skepticism.

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives has done some research into education funding.  Their estimate is that compared to 2018-19, school boards have received $1,500 less per student. The result is billions of dollars lost to education in Ontario.

Schools are collapsing under the weight of underfunding, and the results are undeniable: children with Individual Education Plans  (IEPs) not receiving the support they need, growing class sizes, and staff being stretched to their limits. These are not isolated issues. They are the direct result of seven years of cuts under Doug Ford.

Parents and teachers say schools are underfunded and understaffed, kids are being “abandoned” in mainstream classrooms in the name of inclusion, and neither the TDSB nor the province will take responsibility.

An increasing number of Ontario school boards are reporting deficits and are using or even depleting their reserves, according to internal Ministry of Education briefing documents.

Students thrive when they’re back at school with their peers learning the skills that they need to succeed. Our schools offer so much to our learners, but there are serious problems that can only be solved through adequate funding

In the largest city in one of the richest countries, Toronto's public school system should be world class. So why are students heading back to school in crumbling buildings without enough staff to meet their needs?

Educators crying in their cars, trying to convince themselves they can get through another day. Bite marks, bruises, and the daily fear of violence from the elementary students they teach.

The Thames Valley District school board is contemplating cutting 124 jobs to reduce its projected budget deficit to $7.6 million from $18 million forecast in February.

HDSB in a deficit position and looking at decreases to student resources and supports.