How public opinion polling might affect Doug Ford's back to school decision
The decision on whether to leave Ontario classrooms closed for the remainder of the school year is partly based on public opinion polling, commissioned by the Progressive Conservative government, which pitted schools against the economy.
The internal polling conducted by Campaign Research, obtained by CTV News Toronto, shows a majority of Ontario residents do not want in-person learning to resume if it would jeopardize the economic reopening plan.
Sources have told CTV News Toronto that the government's planning and priorities committee made an initial decision on Monday not to reopen schools for the remaining weeks of June, including on a regional basis.
Premier Doug Ford is set to meet with his cabinet today to make the final decision on whether or not to keep schools closed for the rest of the school year as the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams, local medical officers of health, the Ontario Science Advisory Table and Sick Kids hospital urge for a reopening.
While the premier has been on the fence for weeks about returning students to the classroom, his government made the decision on Monday amid concerns that reopening schools could create between 2,000 to 4,000 cases of COVID-19 by July, according to modelling data.
However, internal polling shows the government is also weighing the impact of schools on the economy.
A survey of 1,246 people across the province asked respondents whether the province should “reopen schools for three weeks in June even if that means Ontario’s reopening plan is delayed by one week from June 14 to June 21st.”
Most — 56 per cent — who responded rejected the idea, and instead said the province “should not reopen schools for three weeks in June if that means Ontario’s reopening plan is delayed.”
The survey also asked if respondents were comfortable with the back to school plan jeopardizing other parts of the economic reopening such as summer camps and retail shopping.
Again, a majority, 63 per cent, said the province should prioritize the economy and jobs over schools.
The internal polling arrived days after premier Ford issued a letter to health and education stakeholders asking for their opinion on returning students to the classroom.
The vast majority supported the decision to reopen schools pointing to low transmission rates, manageable caseloads, and the ongoing mental health effects of extended virtual learning.
Premier Ford is expected to make an announcement at 1 p.m. on Wednesday about the issue.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick
The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.