The Campaign to Stop Cuts to Public Education

Having the resources and supports kids need at school has always been important but this is especially true today. Kids are going through a lot and with larger classes and more complexity, many of their needs are going unmet. 

Despite calls from educators and parents for investment in public schools, the Ford government keeps cutting. Adjusted for inflation, per student funding is now $1,500 dollars less than it was in 2018. That’s a huge gap at a time when schools desperately need investment.

After years of calling on the government to ensure that Ontario students have what they need to be successful, we’re stepping up our efforts.

If the Ford government won't invest in our public schools, it’s time to elect a government that will.

What’s the problem?

• There is $1,500 less in per-student funding since Ford came into office in 2018 (Use our tool to see how much has been cut from your school since 2018).
• That means billions in cuts to public education since 2018.
• There are 70,000 kids waiting for autism supports.
• 95% of schools need more mental health supports.
• 77% of ETFO members say they have personally experienced violence or witnessed violence against another staff member.

Learning is being disrupted because the Ford government refuses to invest in public education. Our schools are suffering from chronic underfunding, under-resourcing, and understaffing, creating environments where student needs are going unmet.

We need a change. We need a provincial government that values education and is willing to invest in it.

Students feel it, parents see it.

A recent survey commissioned by ETFO* found that more than half of parents with school-aged kids believe public education has gotten worse in the past three years. Eighty percent agree or strongly agree that the Ford government’s cuts to public schools are hurting students. And more than 67% of Ontarians agree: when it comes to public schools, the provincial government should increase funding.

This study shows that parents are worried: about increasing violence, about the lack of mental health supports, about long waits for autism supports, about large class sizes, and about a shortage of educators.

*Survey conducted by Viewpoints on behalf of ETFO, June 2024, Province-wide Ontario with 1,208 respondents, Margin of error +/- 2.82%, 19 times out of 20.

Together, we can change this.

Our kids have waited long enough. They can't wait another year. Students need:

• Smaller classes and more one-on-one time
• Special education supports and timely access to assessments
• More supports for kids’ mental health

Let’s work together to elect a government that will invest in our kids’ futures.

You can find resources to help you speak out on our Take Action page.