OSSTF/FEESO Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

The pandemic has magnified the significant inequities that continue to plague our public services and institutions and negatively affect the lived experiences of students and families in Ontario. [...] The priority of this government must be to invest in education at all levels to address funding shortfalls, the mental health of students and staff, and the widening gaps in inequity among the diverse peoples of Ontario. [...] Provide funding to support staffing models that support student and worker opportunities for success, including: • funding to reduce class size and provide student supports in classrooms and schools where they are needed; • using a standard formula for worker staff/student ratios for education workers in publicly-funded education; and • providing equitable funding to all programs, including adult. [...] Investments in well- maintained physical spaces and resources will protect and improve the physical and mental health of staff and students in Ontario's publicly-funded education system and will result directly in jobs for Ontario workers. [...] Now is the time to invest in and enhance Ontario's publicly-funded education system and to rebuild the province and the people living in it.