The following is a statement from the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) on March 19's Cabinet announcement:
"ETFO welcomes Paul Calandra as Ontario's new Minister of Education. We are ready to work together to restore and strengthen Ontario's public education system after years of damaging budget cuts and policies that have failed to prioritize students and education workers.
With public education facing persistent challenges large class sizes, inadequate supports for students with special needs, a deepening teacher recruitment and retention crisis, and increasing violence in schools Ontario's students, families, and educators cannot afford more of the same failed policies that have left classrooms underfunded and under-supported.
At a time when Ontario families are grappling with rising costs, economic uncertainty, and the impact of tariffs on jobs and industries, the last thing they need is a government that continues to ignore the crises in public education. Ontario's students deserve smaller class sizes, more one-on-one support, and properly funded schools not more cuts and no more political spin.
ETFO looks forward to working with Minister Calandra to make public education a true priority. During these turbulent times, it is more important than ever to ensure Ontario's students and those who support them have the resources they need to thrive. Our 83,000 members will continue to advocate for a well-funded, high-quality public education system that gives every student the opportunity to succeed."
For more information
136 Isabella Street
Toronto Ontario
Canada M4Y 1P6
www.etfo.ca/
