Ontario families deserve responsible leadership - not taxpayer funded ads that scapegoat trustees while our schools face chronic underfunding, rising needs, and classrooms stretched to the limit. Tax dollars should support students, not government messaging that undermines confidence in public education or the people who keep schools running. Many of Ontario’s strongest education policies began with local trustees and were later adopted province‑wide (including full‑day kindergarten, child care in schools, safe schools reforms, mental health frameworks, concussion protocols, codes of conduct, ombudsman oversight, Indigenous education, and student trustees).
As we look ahead, our public education system continues to face real pressures. Since 2018, Ontario schools have been underfunded by $6.35 billion, leaving many boards in deficit, facing rising costs, growing student needs, and major special education shortfalls. Families, educators, and community members across the province are speaking up and your voices matter.
This month, there are important opportunities for the public to be heard. I encourage all community members (including school councils, parents, caregivers, and residents) to share these consultations widely and take part.
Ontario 2026 Pre‑Budget Consultations: The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs will meet to conduct 2026 Pre-Budget Consultations. Written submissions due before January 29, 2026 at 6:00pm. (EST). See more information > HERE.
Ontario Survey - 2026 Budget Consultations: We want to hear from you! Tell us how Ontario’s next budget can help support your family, business or community. Closing date: January 30, 2026 at 4:00pm. See the link to the survey > HERE.
Proposal for regulations under the Education Act, related to school boards and local police services. Comments for this regulatory proposal are due by February 2, 2026 at the following link > HERE
Research shows that schools are safest when we focus on student well‑being, not policing. That means investing in mental‑health supports, social workers, child and youth workers, and restorative practices as the foundation of safety. Police should only be involved in clearly defined situations, with strong human rights protections to prevent disproportionate impacts on marginalized students. Any provincial regulations must ensure transparency, accountability, and meaningful student voice - always keeping educational and well‑being goals at the centre of decision‑making.
Local democracy matters. These consultations are an opportunity for all of us to advocate for strong, well‑funded public schools. I am asking you to stay engaged. Share information with neighbours. Every action - big or small - helps build the momentum we need.
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:
- Fund Our Schools!
- Fund education to match inflation
- Fully fund special education and student supports
- Repeal Bill 33
Thank you for everything you do to support our schools and our neighbourhoods. When we act together, we build a more caring, inclusive, and hopeful future.
Best Regards,
Deborah Williams
elected Trustee, TDSB Ward 10 University-Rosedale and Toronto Centre (*June 27, 2025 TDSB under supervision of the Ministry of Education)
During the TDSB supervision period, Deborah Williams can be reached at [email protected]
SIGN-UP for Deborah Williams Updates & Advocacy.
