As the school year comes to a close, I’d like to reflect on a recurring issue my office has heard from parents, teachers and school board staff. That issue? Staffing and resource shortages in our schools.

Recently, my office heard from a mom whose child is struggling with a bullying issue at school. Jacob is a first-grader and is facing problems with another first grader. The mother has tried various avenues for resolution, but the crux of the issue appears to be lack of support in the classroom and a systemic EA shortage. Jacob is hurt, physically and emotionally. He is confused and afraid. I can’t speak for the other child in this case, but I would assume he also feels forgotten and in need of support.

I have also heard from representatives of our local school board, and they have identified the same issues with staffing shortages. The Thames Valley District School Board reported a $5.4-million increase in expenses for special education for the coming year, leaving them with a $3.4-million deficit for special education expenses alone, and there are other deficits across the board for operating costs.

The independent Financial Accountability Officer recently revealed that the government withheld $844 million earmarked for education at a time when school boards are facing significant funding deficits. The government needs to provide proper funding now and ensure appropriate staff levels at schools across the province so children like Jacob are not left behind.

My question is to the Minister of Education.

A staffing crisis driven by low wages is threatening the accessibility of child care for families. Programs are limiting capacity, and expansion targets are at risk.

The minister was overwhelmingly told by stakeholders in their consultations that they need to properly compensate child care workers. In spite of years of raising these concerns, the province’s contribution to the child care budget remains flat. Staff have described this current wage floor as an insult.

Will the minister implement recommendations from the experts in the field to keep Ontario’s $10-a-day program on track?

Will the minister commit today to increasing ECE wages immediately, instead of waiting for yet another report?

Interjections.