Education workers, parents and community members are set to gather in Harmony Square in Brantford later today to call for increased funding for Ontario’s publicly funded schools.
The rally is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 at 4:15 p.m. and is being organized by local education unions representing more than 5,500 public education workers across Brantford, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk.
Organizers say Ontario’s education system has faced approximately $6.3 billion in cumulative underfunding since 2019 under Premier Doug Ford’s government. They argue the funding shortfall has led to fewer educational assistants, reduced access to mental health professionals, larger class sizes and aging school infrastructure.
Union representatives also point to more than 64,000 children currently waiting for services through the Ontario Autism Program.
The rally is calling on the Minister of Education and the provincial government to reinvest in public education, restore critical student supports, increase staffing levels and implement transparent, needs-based funding formulas.
Community members are encouraged to attend and contact their local MPPs to advocate for stronger support for Ontario students.
