OSSTF/FEESO: Education Protected in 2011 Ontario Budget

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 30, 2011) - In its 2011 budget, the McGuinty Government again identified a strong, publicly funded education system as the key to Ontario's economic success. The 2011 Ontario Budget continues the plan in last year's budget to address the economic downturn through a steady, consistent approach that maintains and progressively builds the education system.

The 2011 Ontario budget highlighted increased investments in mental health and addictions targeting children and youth, early childhood education and post secondary education. This funding will provide additional supports and resources to help Ontarians of all ages at all levels of their learning.

Ken Coran, President of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) commented that "the government also indicated that Ontario's publicly funded schools are best situated to provide the services needed to support Ontarians at all levels of their learning. These services are best delivered by front-line, school board employed teams of professionals who can assist all students, but especially the 1 in 5 students who need additional assistance and resources to stay in school and develop the knowledge, attitude, and skills they need to be successful."

"The additional $44 million allocated over three years for literacy and basic skills programs will also provide the support to enable every Ontarian to build these important skills and make a contribution to our society and economic future," added Coran.

He also stated that "the creation of additional post secondary spaces for students is a welcome announcement, but part of that funding must be dedicated to the hiring of more personnel to meet the needs of the growing student population as well as support the institution."

"OSSTF/FEESO applauds the government for recognizing that our students are our future. Public education works for Ontario and a continued investment in the publicly funded education system lays the foundation for a bright future for all Ontarians," concluded Coran.

OSSTF/FEESO, founded in 1919, has 60,000 members across Ontario. They include public high school teachers, occasional teachers, educational assistants, continuing education teachers and instructors, early childhood educators, psychologists, secretaries, speech-language pathologists, social workers, plant support personnel, university support staff, and many others in education.