TORONTO, ON – December 30, 2021 — Teachers and education workers only learned of the provincial government’s decision to delay school re-opening when it was announced this afternoon.
Nevertheless, as representatives of those on the front lines in schools – that is, those teaching Ontario students and providing the vital services that support their education – our collective message remains the same: schools can be made safe for students and staff, with sufficient investment in the right tools and measures.
We will continue to call for:
- regular asymptomatic testing in schools
- robust testing and tracing system
- prioritizing boosters for all staff in schools
- smaller class sizes to increase physical distancing
- improved ventilation
- masking for all staff and students
- adequate PPE for all staff
- a provincial cleaning standard for schools
- more staffing to carry out the additional work that these measures would entail
For more information, please contact any of the following media relations representatives:
AEFO — Marilyne Guevremont at 613-850-6410 or mguevremont@aefo.on.ca
CUPE — Mary Unan, at 647-390-9839 or munan@cupe.ca
ETFO — Carla Pereira at 416-576-9074 or cpereira@etfo.org
OECTA — Michelle Despault at 416-925-2493, ext. 509 or m.despault@catholicteachers.ca
OSSTF/FEESO — Gary Fenn at 416-751-8300 or gary.fenn@osstf.ca
OPSEU/SEFPO — Steve Fairbairn at 416-802-1074 or sfairbairn@opseu.org
OCEW — Mike Morgan at 647-201-5892 or mikemorgan@tradescouncil.com