Ford government claims “record funding,” delivers more public education cuts

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.

Ontario classrooms stand in stark contrast to the government’s carefully crafted headlines and speaking notes, exposing a public education system that continues to fall short of meeting students’ needs. Students with special education needs are waiting months or even years for assessments, while educators are overwhelmed trying to support complex needs without adequate resources in overcrowded classrooms.

The funding announcement does not deal with the $17 billion repair backlog; they are still spending less money per student than when they were first elected—no real help for school boards that are facing structural deficits. At best, this is a status quo budget again that does not address the years of cuts this government has imposed on the education system.

While fiscal responsibility and school board accountability are critical, Ontarians must not overlook the Ford government’s failures. Education Minister Paul Calandra is quick to blame school boards, but ignores his own government’s underfunding, which has led to cuts to student services and supports. If the Minister genuinely cares about student success, he must listen to frontline educators and act on the improvements we have demanded for years.

ETFO maintains that building a robust and prosperous Ontario is impossible without adequate investment in our high-quality public education system. We urge the government to move beyond headlines and invest in the real supports every Ontario student deserves.”

ETFO represents approximately 83,000 members, including public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators, education support personnel, and professional support personnel. Visit BuildingBetterSchools.ca.