OTTAWA – Following the Financial Accountability Office's (FAO) report on the education, NDP Shadow Minister for Education, Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West – Nepean) released the following statement:
“The FAO’s report confirms yet again exactly what teachers and education workers have been warning Ford’s government about,” said MPP Pasma. “For over eight years, we have seen more and more cuts, and funding that is failing to keep pace with the needs of students and schools. Today's report shows that things will only get worse if the government doesn't change their course.
“Students deserve real, sustainable investments. Instead, Ford and his Minister of Education are cutting corners, leaving students and education workers to cope with worsening conditions and deteriorating classrooms.”
BACKGROUND:
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The FAO finds that the 2026 Budget plans for Ministry of Education spending to grow by just 0.6% annually from 2025-26 to 2028-29, compared with an estimated 2.1% annual growth needed to maintain current service levels.
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The FAO projects declining school board operating funding per student, from $15,140 in 2025-26 to $14,775 in 2028-29.
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The FAO also finds that maintaining the government’s $19/day child care fee structure would require funding above current plans, with a projected $4.8 billion shortfall by 2028-29 under its assumptions.