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  2. A Message from Deborah Williams, Your Elected School Board Trustee

A Message from Deborah Williams, Your Elected School Board Trustee

I hope everyone is well. As the weather gets colder and winter gets closer, let’s use this time to recharge, stay connected, and keep showing up for each other, our schools, and our communities.

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Bill 33: A Power Grab, Silencing Communities, Dismantling Democracy

In recent media interviews - “not embarrassed,” said Education Minister Paul Calandra when asked about paying appointed school board supervisors $350,000 per year for 3.5 days weekly - from school board budgets. The math isn’t mathing: 22 elected TDSB Trustees (each paid $24,535/year) replaced with 1 government appointed Supervisor (paid $350,000/year). Ontario’s public education system has been chronically underfunded by $6.35 Billion since 2018 - provincial funding has not even kept up with inflation.

Bill 33, titled the “Supporting Children and Students Act”, does the opposite of what its name suggests. It strips local school boards of community representation, allows the Education Minister to appoint a supervisor without investigation, and mandates police in schools regardless of community input. The Ontario Autism Coalition warns that Bill 33 erodes families’ ability to advocate for children with special needs. Trustees across Simcoe County call it “alienating,” and a “slippery slope.” Graduate students fear defunding of essential services and loss of research autonomy. Community groups like Policing-Free Schools have rallied to say: enough is enough - fund our schools - fund our communities not policing in schools.

Ontario’s school communities are diverse. Trustees are elected to represent the diversity of local communities and school districts. Bill 33 threatens to erase that role entirely, replacing it with centralized control and mandates that ignore regional realities.

The provincial government’s use of time allocation to fast-track Bill 33 is a betrayal of public trust. Bill 33 is being forced through without public hearings - a blatant power grab. It silences students, families, educators, and communities. It bypasses cabinet and concentrates power in one minister’s hands. This sets a dangerous precedent. The Education Minister’s refusal to engage in dialogue with education stakeholders and his unapologetic stance is not strength. It’s contempt. Contempt for transparency, contempt for collaboration, and contempt for communities. Call on MPPs to stand up and vote this down.

Every Member of Provincial Parliament faces a defining choice: defend democracy or enable its erosion. Bill 33 isn’t just flawed - it’s a fundamental breach of public trust. To support it is to silence communities and surrender accountability. I encourage everyone to urge government caucus members to raise these concerns with colleagues and vote no to time allocation - so Bill 33 can receive full public hearings.

The question is clear: Will MPPs protect democratic values? The answer must be clear: Reject the time allocation motion. Reject Bill 33. Restore public trust. Remind the government that democracy is not outdated.


CALL TO ACTION

Call and Email Premier Doug Ford at 416-325-1941, [email protected] & Education Minister Paul Calandra at 416-325-2600, [email protected] to DEMAND they:
  • Reject Time Allocation of Bill 33
  • Stop Bill 33
  • Fund education to match inflation
  • Fully fund statutory benefits (CPP, EI)
  • Fully fund special education and student supports
Copy your local MPP and school board trustee.

I believe strong public education builds strong communities. Public education is not just about academics - it’s about preparing young people to thrive as engaged empathetic members of a caring and civil society. Let’s support our students and strengthen our education system, together. Fund Our Schools. Democracy Not Bill 33.

With gratitude and optimism,
Deborah Williams
Trustee, TDSB Ward 10 University-Rosedale and Toronto Centre (*June 27, 2025 TDSB under Ministry supervision)
During the TDSB supervision period, Deborah Williams can be reached at [email protected]

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Councillor Update - July 2026

Councillor Update - July 2026

It has been a tremendously busy summer! Between Pride and FIFA on one end, the final Toronto and East York Community Council and City Council of the term later this month on the other, and the ongoing Church Street Pedestrianization Pilot, my team and I have been working hard to continue delivering results. Despite the stress, despite the heat, and especially despite the province’s ongoing work to make the City of Toronto miserable, for this final proper Councillor Update of the term, I want to provide positive vibes only.

The celebration on Church Street continues! The Church Street Pedestrianization has officially launched, with the Church-Wellesley Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) and my team installed patios and more seating on Church Street post-Pride to make it an even better place to visit. The pedestrianization lasts until August 21, so come on out and experience The Village like never before, enjoy the beautiful weather, and help me advocate for more pedestrianization across the City and to make this pilot permanent!

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