I rise today asking the government to end the patchwork of approaches to in-person learning at colleges and universities.

Several families impacted by recent policy changes at some schools contacted my office. The families are aware rules are to be followed, but they question why these policies were not advertised prior to acceptance letters being issued. These institutions knowingly accepted tuition payments between the beginning and middle of August and then, last week, changed the rules. Remember playing games with the kids who changed the rules partway through? It’s inappropriate, it’s irresponsible, and I would go as far as to say it’s disingenuous. Even for those students who wish to comply, the timing may make it difficult.

Instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, which made COVID-19 vaccination policies mandatory in post-secondary institutions, were revoked on March 1, 2022. I question why some institutions are adding the stress to the lives of students at a time when they are already anxious. Why is Western University the only Canadian university mandating boosters?

I know the government will say it does not meddle in the everyday operations of publicly supported institutions. However, government has, in the past, waded in to correct patchwork policies, especially at the municipal level.

These young people are our future leaders. These are the same young people who have missed out the past three years. These students need assurance the rules will not continue to change.

Speaker, I call on this government to ensure Ontario students are treated fairly and consistently, no matter where they choose to learn in Ontario.

I also wish all students across the province all the very best this school year.

We can confirm that under this Progressive Conservative government we are actually increasing the amount of staff in this province by 3,000 more for this coming September—more custodians, more EAs, more ECEs and educators who make a difference in our schools. That is part of our vision for a more normal and, frankly, a much more stable September for these kids—yes, with more people in the schools.

In addition to more dollars, we’re asking for and expecting a higher standard for our kids. We need these children to be immersed in learning with a stable environment that keeps them there from September right to June in a normal, fulsome experience that includes the sports, the extracurriculars and clubs that produce the well-rounded leaders we all want.

Mr. Speaker, our intention for September is to ensure that these kids get back on track—with a learning recovery plan that invests over 650 million more dollars for this September, to ensure these kids are well supported and get back on track.

The member didn’t even ask the question setting the priority of keeping kids in school, which ought to be the priority of every MPP in this place. Mr. Speaker, our priority is ensuring stability for children. The question should focus on our kids. It’s about time the opposition starts to get on track with that imperative of stability for kids.

That’s why we’ve ensured more money is in place for September. It’s why we’ve been negotiating in good faith to land a fair deal for the workers but a good deal for our families. The principle that we’re going to communicate to the union, to the board of trustees and the people of the province is: We’ll stand up for stability for your children.