As I walked through Queen’s Park this afternoon, the energy was palpable. Thousands of education workers, parents, and supporters gathered under gray skies, their collective voices rising above the din of downtown Toronto traffic. “No more cuts!” they chanted, a rallying cry that echoed across the legislative grounds.
The “Protect Our Schools” rally, organized by several education unions including the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, brought together an estimated 10,000 protesters according to organizers. They came with a clear message for Premier Doug Ford’s government: Ontario’s education system needs more investment, not less.
“I’ve been teaching for 16 years, and I’ve never seen conditions this challenging,” said Maria Gonzalez, a Grade 4 teacher from Scarborough. “We’re dealing with larger class sizes, fewer resources, and students with increasingly complex needs.”
The demonstration comes at a critical juncture for Ontario’s education system. The Ford government recently announced its intention to revamp the education funding formula, which has raised concerns among education advocates about potential further cuts to education spending.
Karen Brown, president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, addressed the crowd, her voice firm despite the light rain that had begun to fall. “This government needs to understand that education is an investment, not an expense,” Brown told the assembled protesters. “Our children deserve better than overcrowded classrooms and crumbling infrastructure.”
Data from People for Education, an independent research organization, shows that 28% of elementary schools in the Greater Toronto Area report insufficient access to special education supports. This statistic resonated with many parents in attendance.
“My son has autism and his support hours were cut last year,” said Priya Sharma, clutching a handmade sign reading “Special Needs Students Matter.” “He’s struggling, and so are his teachers who want to help but don’t have the resources.”
The Toronto District School Board recently reported a $22.4 million budget shortfall for the upcoming academic year, potentially affecting everything from classroom supports to building maintenance.
The rally featured a diverse coalition of speakers including education workers, students, and community advocates. Notably absent were any representatives from the provincial government, despite invitations extended by organizers.
Minister of Education Stephen Lecce released a statement following the protest, noting that “Ontario’s government has invested more in public education than any previous government,” pointing to the $736 million increase in education funding announced in the 2023 provincial budget.
However, critics argue that when adjusted for inflation and increasing enrollment, per-pupil funding has effectively decreased during Ford’s tenure as premier.
As I moved through the crowd, I spoke with Tom Rodriguez, a high school custodian with 22 years of experience. “People don’t always think about us when they talk about education, but we’re essential too,” he said. “With staffing cuts, I’m responsible for more classrooms than ever before. How can we keep schools clean and safe under these conditions?”
The demonstration remained peaceful throughout, with Toronto Police Service maintaining a visible but unobtrusive presence. By mid-afternoon, as protesters began dispersing, many expressed determination to continue their advocacy.
“This isn’t just about jobs or contracts,” explained Alisha Williams, a kindergarten educator from Etobicoke. “It’s about the kind of education system we want for Ontario’s children. They deserve our best, and right now, they’re not getting it.”
Education advocates point to research from the C.D. Howe Institute suggesting that every dollar invested in quality education returns between $1.50 and $3.00 in economic benefits over time.
The rally concluded with organizers announcing plans for continued pressure on the provincial government, including community forums and potential future demonstrations if concerns aren’t addressed.
As the crowd thinned and crews began dismantling the stage, I couldn’t help but reflect on what I’d witnessed. Beyond the signs and slogans was a fundamental question about priorities – one that resonates far beyond the grounds of Queen’s Park and into classrooms across our city and province.
The forecast calls for sunshine tomorrow, but for Ontario’s education system, the outlook remains uncertain.
