OECTA Statement on Federal Government Funding for School Reopening
“Catholic teachers recognize that even though education is clearly a provincial responsibility, the federal government has stepped up to help supplement the Ford government’s incomplete school reopening plan. We thank them for responding to the serious and sincere concerns of students, parents, and educators. However, we need to make sure that rather than letting the Ford government off the hook for their lack of leadership, Ontarians are intensifying the pressure on Premier Ford and Minister Lecce to finally live up to their responsibility to protect our communities.
In their haphazard approach, the Ford government has thus far failed to listen to medical experts about what is needed to keep schools safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19, including the same standards for physical distancing, hand sanitation, and ventilation as are expected in the rest of the province. There remains a strong need for the Ford government to consult with public health experts and teacher representatives, and to put forward the provincial resources necessary to ensure all reasonable precautions are in place when schools reopen.
By accepting the federal government’s assistance, the Ford government will have to admit that they know their school reopening plan has significant gaps, they are just unwilling to fill them. However, they still have a chance to do the right thing.”
Liz Stuart, President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association