We certainly share the concern of the rise of crime and violence taking place in communities across the country, and we’re seeing impacts in our school communities, affecting staff and, of course, our kids.

It’s why, from 2018—where I think many members opposite will speak to root causes—when it comes to mental health supports, pre- and post-pandemic, the Premier and the government increased funding from $18 million to $114 million in student mental health, a 550% increase in support to help that school and every school afflicted by the rise of violence, behavioural issues and other concerns impacting kids. We’ve increased the amount of caring adults in the room. There are nearly 8,000 more staff, notwithstanding there’s been a flat number of students within our schools. We’ve also enhanced the mental health literacy, mandatory learning—more people, more literacy, more curriculum and, of course, more mental health supports to keep students safe in their schools.

We’ve increased funding in mental health. The overall funding envelope in education is up for the coming September by $690 million. The overall education budget, when you compare to the peak of spending under former Premier Wynne, is 27% higher.

I recognize fully that we’re going to continue to do more. In every single budget, we’ll increase funding. We’ll continue to hire more people. And we’ll continue to make the case, as a former school board trustee, that the school boards involved, everyone involved in public education, should be doing better, which is why I urge the members opposite, if they want a better school, they should vote for the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act to demand better for children in this province.