NDP calls on Ford to act urgently on Science Table’s back to school advice

TORONTO – NDP critic for Education Marit Stiles released the following statement in response to the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table’s recommendations for resuming in-person learning in the fall:
“Today’s Science Table report made it abundantly clear that children need to be back in school and extracurricular activities, and that this government has the power to make it safe.
Right now, the Ford government should be moving heaven and earth to guarantee excellent ventilation in every classroom, give parents paid sick days so they can keep sick kids at home, and set up on-site screening and testing for anyone with symptoms or exposure, and smaller class sizes and bussing groups so boards have the flexibility to implement distancing and cohorting protocols as needed. And allowing students and staff to book their vaccines isn’t enough — we need a plan to in place to reach out to families to help them make the decision and the arrangements to vaccinate their kids.
The Official Opposition NDP — alongside families, experts and education workers — have been fighting for these measures for months. Time is ticking away until back to school. We need Doug Ford to stop trying to save money on the backs of our kids, and get to work to make sure every classroom is safe for September.”