Ontario must uphold the right of every child to attend school

LONDON – NDP MPPs Terence Kernaghan (London North Centre), Peggy Sattler (London West), and Teresa Armstrong (London–Fanshawe) released the following statement in response to reports that students with special needs in the Thames Valley District School Board are being kept home due to a lack of supports:

“Every single child has the right to education, and what we are seeing in Thames Valley, children being told to stay home because the province is failing to provide adequate supports, is not only unacceptable, it is a direct violation of that right.

“We are hearing about students waiting up to three years for speech therapy, young kids missing out on early learning and socialization, and parents left desperate for answers. Imagine the impact this has on a child’s ability to learn, to communicate, and to simply enjoy being a kid.

“Teachers, education assistants, and more caring adults in classrooms are crucial to ensuring that every single student has the support they need. Students with special needs deserve to be able to learn safely and thrive. Yet this government has disrespected them at every turn. From Bill 28, which trampled on their rights, to refusing to address the chronic shortage of EAs today.

“Doug Ford’s neglect of our public education system is leaving children behind, demoralizing workers, and putting families in impossible situations. We are calling on the government to immediately step up with the funding and supports needed so that every child in Thames Valley, and across Ontario, can go to school with the dignity, inclusion, and opportunity they deserve.”