Ontario boosts funding for parent direct payments, but details still sparse
Ontario is boosting the amount of money parents will receive in direct patents to “help kids catch up” by about $140 million; however it is not yet clear how that money will be divided or when families can expect it.
Speaking at a news conference on late Friday morning, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy confirmed the government will be spending over $365 million in direct payments to parents, up from a $225-million investment announced in August.
Parents will be able to apply for funding in October, although the government did not say exactly how much money is available per child or when they will see a cheque.
“This increased federal funding can be used by parents for things like additional tutoring supports, or supplies and equipment that support learning,” Bethlenfalvy said. “We will have more details shortly on when and how parents can expect to receive their direct payments.”
Details on these direct payments have been promised for weeks. When the government first announced the investment, they said more information on eligibility would be available in the coming days.
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
In the 2021 budget, the Progressive Conservative government set aside about $980 million in direct payments for parents to offset costs incurred as a result of virtual learning as children moved in and out of the classroom due to the pandemic.
At the time, parents received $400 per child aged 0 to Grade 12. If the same number of parents are eligible for this round of funding, it could equal just under $150 per kid, not taking any extra funding for children with special needs into account.
That number was closer to $90 with the previous $225 million investment.
This will be the fourth payout to parents since Premier Doug Ford took office in 2018. The other two instances were rolled out under the Support For Learners program at the beginning of the pandemic.
Under that program parents received about $200 per child or $250 per child with special needs. This cost the Ford government an estimated $868 million.
The increase in funding was announced as the province released its updated fiscal accounts, which showed the province ended the year with a $2.1-billion surplus.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.