June 8th, 2023
June 8th, 2023
QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Lisa Gretzky (Windsor West) rose in Question Period today to demand an increase in funding to meet the growing demand for special education needs in Windsor-Essex.
The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) deficit for 2023-2024 special education funding is projected at $10.2 million, while demand for special education is continuously growing. GECDSB projects that an additional 200 students will need special education supports next school year.
“Ford and his government continue to force layoffs across the province by underfunding special education programs, despite a rapidly increasing demand,” said Gretzky. “The students of our region deserve better, and I demand that Ford take some leadership, step up to the plate, and provide the funding our region has been calling for.”
In December last year, the GECDSB wrote to the Minister of Education calling on the province to address significant underfunding. The Ford Government did nothing.
“Students across Ontario with special education needs and their parents and families deserve a government that will make the necessary investments to see students thrive,” said Gretzky. “Will Ford finally stop shortchanging students with special education needs and their families and properly fund the special education programming required?”