Shadow Minister for Education MPP Chandra Pasma, on Ford government’s heavy-handed school takeover bill

QUEEN’S PARK — MPP Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West—Nepean), NDP Deputy House Leader and Shadow Minister for Education, has issued the following statement in response to the Ford government’s latest education Bill:

“What’s missing from this government’s education announcements is the kids in classrooms. Nowhere do they talk about fixing our crumbling schools, putting more caring adults in classrooms, making sure our kids have what they need to succeed – instead, they’re focused on locking parents out of being able to have a say about their kids’ education.

“Instead of listening to students, parents, and educators, this government is doubling down on policing schools, silencing student voices, and putting more power in the hands of the Minister of Education without any guardrails or accountability.

“We need to make our classrooms safer through care. The government’s recommendations ignore the real concerns raised by students, parents, and local communities and destroys the ability for school boards to listen to their community and prioritize safety through care.”

“This bill does nothing to improve learning conditions, reduce class sizes, or support kids with special needs. It does nothing to fill the $6.35 billion funding gap created by this government. Ontario’s NDP will stand with students, families, and educators to fight this legislation and protect the integrity of our public education system from political control.”