PASMA: There will be no more schools left by the time the Minister of Education is finished making cuts

OTTAWA – NDP Shadow Minister of Education MPP Chandra Pasma released the following statement regarding 78 jobs lost at the York Region District School Board:

“Losing 78 caretakers and trades workers in York Region means dirtier, less safe schools for students and staff,” said Pasma. “These are the very people who keep buildings clean, maintain critical systems, and ensure schools are safe places to learn. Cutting these essential education workers does nothing but put our kids at risk. A safe, clean environment is one of the most basic expectations of our education system.

“And this cut isn’t happening in isolation. It comes on top of the 40 vice-principal positions being fired at the Toronto District School Board, the 124 teachers and education workers being laid off in the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, and the 331 teachers losing their jobs in the Peel District School Board. Across the province, we’re seeing the consequences of chronic underfunding.

“The government must properly fund our schools, so boards aren’t forced into decisions that hurt students, workers, and families.”