Tell the Ford government to implement an emergency safe school plan NOW!

This month, the Ontario New Democratic Party (ONDP)—who is the Official Opposition—introduced a motion at the Ontario Legislature to immediately create an emergency safe schools plan that includes:

• funding to hire additional qualified staff for our schools, including mental health professionals, educational assistants, child and youth workers, and other education workers;
• funding for comprehensive training for all workers and supervisors;
• creating a permanent provincial working group to review and adapt current policies regarding workplace violence in the education sector;
• creating a single, province-wide online violent incident reporting system; and
• changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act that address site-specific health and safety concerns.

Unfortunately, the Ford government, which has a history of underfunding schools and ignoring students’ needs, voted down this motion. This is a highly disappointing but not surprising outcome, as the provincial government has repeatedly chosen to underfund schools and ignore students’ needs. However, all is not lost. Advocacy from OSSTF/FEESO and many other unions and community groups have effectively highlighted the growing crisis of violence in schools, and we can continue to build on this momentum.

Remember, our voices matter—let’s collectively send a message to the Ford government calling for immediate and meaningful action! We have the power to make a difference.

Go to saferschools.ca to send a message to Premier Ford, the Minister of Education, and your MPP telling them to implement an emergency safe school plan NOW!