A message from the leader of The Green Party of Ontario

Education is not a social cost. It is an investment, creating equity and opportunity for Ontario and Canada. Whether children live in Timiskaming or Toronto, they must be equipped for the challenges of the 21st century. Education—good education—is broadening, rigorous and supportive. It imparts core values of caring, perseverance and understanding.

However, Ontario’s education system is fettered by duplication and needless complexity, and our schools are struggling to make ends meet.

The Green Party advocates a single publicly funded system. We will remove duplicate administrative, facility and transportation costs to create a truly open and equitable environment where children can learn together. The savings will help fund the greening of Ontario’s education—strengthening both our economic competitiveness and our social fabric.

Most Ontarians want a single public school system. The Green Party calls for a Citizen’s Assembly on education and a subsequent public referendum to move this issue forward. The Green Party believes the millions of dollars now spent on standardized testing should be spent rebuilding the education system. It is time to put our trust in educators. They know best how to map the pathways to knowledge and excellence, and how to monitor progress towards those goals.

Without adequate resources, none of this is possible. The current funding formula robs communities and school boards of autonomy and forces boards either run a defi cit or cut essential services. This is unacceptable. It is time for the rhetoric to stop and for us to act. Do we have the courage to build a stronger, better and more equitable educational system in the Province of Ontario?

The Green Party of Ontario is not afraid to meet this challenge. We will invest in our children’s future. In a Green Ontario, education and lifelong learning are paramount prerequisites to prosperity and quality of living.

Frank de Jong,
Leader of the Green Party of Ontario