TORONTO, ON – Below is a statement from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) following today’s announcement from Ontario Minister of Education Paul Calandra:

“ETFO strongly opposes the Ford government’s latest legislative proposal that grants the Minister of Education additional powers to more easily place elected school boards under supervision and that forces the presence of police officers in schools. This is not education reform; it’s authoritarianism cloaked in the language of accountability, designed to deflect blame, suppress dissenting voices, and tighten political control over a public education system this government has failed to adequately fund.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is pushing back against the Ford government’s latest education funding announcement, saying the promise of “record” investments doesn’t reflect the reality in Ontario’s public schools: 

“Despite claims of record spending, educators across Ontario continue to see the cumulative effects of chronic provincial underfunding: larger class sizes, fewer supports for students (especially those with disabilities), deteriorating school infrastructure, rising violence in schools, and increasing demands placed on under-resourced staff. This isn’t record funding; it’s systemic neglect. 

Below is a statement from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) following today’s provincial budget announcement:

“ETFO continues to sound the alarm on the provincial government’s ongoing refusal to address the chronic underfunding of Ontario’s public education system. Following another provincial budget announcement that failed to allocate any new funding for education, these persistent cuts are forcing school boards to reduce services, stripping students of the essential supports they need to succeed. 

This budget ignores rising costs school boards are facing due to inflation. It exacerbates issues caused by large class sizes, further abandons students with disabilities, dismisses violence in schools, and fails to adequately address the teacher recruitment and retention crisis across the province. This isn’t just inaction; it is negligence. 

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is celebrating Education Week, May 5 to 9, by recognizing the dedication and professionalism of Ontario’s public elementary educators who continue to deliver high-quality learning experiences in the face of growing challenges.

“Every day, ETFO members bring compassion, creativity, and a deep commitment to supporting student learning and well-being,” says ETFO President Karen Brown. “From teachers and occasional teachers to designated early childhood educators and education and professional support personnel, their contributions are the foundation of a strong public education system. But to maintain that strength, meaningful and adequate investment is essential.”