Ontario Education Clash Ignites as Parents Fear School Closure

A tense exchange unfolded Thursday in the Ontario legislature as the Ford government faced questions about its support for students and teaching staff. Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser pressed Premier Doug Ford to back a $1-billion increase in education funding and hire 10,000 more support workers to improve school conditions. Ford responded by blaming past Liberal governments for shutting down roughly 600 schools and laying off teachers, though he later withdrew the comment after it sparked criticism.

Following the debate, Fraser said Ford’s remarks were “wacko,” arguing they showed a lack of understanding of current challenges facing schools. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner also spoke out, criticizing Ford’s suggestion that teachers are “left-wing radicals” and saying such claims deepen divisions instead of addressing real problems in education.

Concerns from families at Heydon Park Secondary School, a Toronto school that serves students with special needs, added another layer to the discussion. Parents who attended the debate sought answers about the suspension of admissions for Grade 9 and Grade 10. They worry that a combination of low enrollment and unclear communication could result in the school eventually shutting down. Some families pointed to low EQAO test scores among students with special needs and said the results reflect a need for stronger support systems rather than reduced opportunities.

NDP Finance Critic Jessica Bell stated that specialized schools like Heydon Park are essential and deserve consistent government investment to help students thrive. Government House Leader Steve Clark countered that the province’s plans are focused on giving parents, students, and teachers what they need.

Education Minister Paul Calandra acknowledged that EQAO performance has been disappointing and said that two new members will join an advisory board early next year to assess Ontario’s standardized testing model and recommend improvements.