Ontario announces back-to-school plan to 'catch up' from pandemic
The Ontario government has released a plan to help students catch up following two years of interrupted learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plan focuses primarily on getting students back in the classroom for a "full school experience,” however the Progressive Conservatives say they will also “enable the option of remote learning” for parents who feel it’s the best option for their child.
“Our plan starts with a return to in-person learning, on time, and with all the experiences students need and deserve like sports, clubs and field trips. Nothing is more important,” the document reads.
Few new details were released as to how the government plans to ensure in-person learning continues throughout the year, particularly if another wave of COVID-19 hits the province. Instead, the government touted their previous investments in ventilation improvements and HEPA filter units, the provision of rapid COVID-19 tests for staff and students and funding for parents to offset the costs of online learning.
Officials say these same measures will remain in place for the 2022-23 school year. Earlier this month, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said that rapid tests will continue to be handed out at schools and select workplaces until Dec. 31.
The plan also includes additional tutoring, funding to build new schools as well as mental health supports.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Education Minister Stephen Lecce says his government remains “committed” to keeping kids in school, even in the event of another wave of COVID-19.
“We’re announcing plans to catch up today that is premised on keeping kids in school every single day, without disruption to their lives, be it from the negotiations or otherwise,” he said, referencing the bargaining process currently underway with education unions.
“We need these kids to be in school.”
Lecce’s promise that extra curricular activities remain open is largely dependent on both school boards and teachers, who mostly volunteer their time to offer sport, music and further academic programming. He said he has a “great deal of confidence” that a deal will be made with education unions that will allow school activities to resume as normal.
The education minister did not go into further detail about whether legislation will be tabled labelling education workers as essential services, a designation that would prevent certain labour actions, such as a strike for example, from taking place.
“That is our single focus over the coming months, is to land a voluntary agreement with teacher unions,” Lecce said. “It takes two to tango as you know, we need them to be at the table and many of them are, and we want them all to be there through the summer so that we can get a deal as soon as possible.”
The investments announced in Ontario’s “A Plan To Catch Up” can be found in the government’s budget, released prior to the provincial election as part of the Progressive Conservative’s platform. It includes changes to the math and science curriculum to include critical skills in finance and coding, as well as de-streamed courses in Grade 9.
The province says that about $26.6 billion has been allocated for elementary and secondary education in Ontario for the 2022-23 school year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
RateMDs violates privacy of health professionals, class-action lawsuit claims
A lawsuit against RateMDs has been given the go-ahead by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who found the claim that the website violates the privacy rights of medical professionals is not 'bound to fail.'
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.