Ford Government Misses the Mark on Teacher Shortages, Says Pasma

OTTAWA — NDP Critic for Education MPP Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West–Nepean) released the following statement in response to the Ford government’s plan to expand the practical component of teacher education:

“Ontario does not have a shortage of qualified teachers,” said Pasma. “We are training them, certifying them, and then losing them because this government refuses to address the real issues driving people out of the profession. Like ETFO has said, the problem is retention, not recruitment. Teachers are leaving because of overwhelming workloads, chronic underfunding, growing class sizes, and a lack of meaningful support in classrooms. Expanding practicums without fixing these conditions will not keep educators in the system. If the government is serious about strengthening public education, it must focus on respecting teachers, improving working conditions, and ensuring schools have the resources they need.”