Dear neighbour,
On Wednesday, I raised the issue of the growing number of cuts happening at the Toronto District School Board under the Conservative government-appointed supervisor.
The cuts to the TDSB, like all school boards, are severe.
So far, we are looking at:
- 483 teaching positions declared surplus
- 150 lunchroom supervisors cut
- 72 ESL teachers cut
- 69 child and youth workers cut
- 40 vice-principals cut
- 25 clerical staff cut
- 2 outdoor education centres closed
The government says this is about “modernizing” and “right sizing” schools to match enrolment, and that none of these cuts will impact learning in the classroom.
This is nonsensical double-speak. These cuts are far more significant than the decline in enrollment. Not a single parent believes these cuts will not affect our children.
When schools lose teachers, lunchroom supervisors, child and youth workers, and educational supports, student learning outcomes will decline.
It’s time to invest in public schools, and invest in our kids. We will continue to organize with parents, teachers, workers, and students to protect our kids’ education. Please go to our website to find out more about what you can do.
Sincerely,
Jessica Bell
MPP, University-Rosedale
In this newsletter:
- Auditor General releases damning report on special education
- Conservatives vote down our motion for an audit into Ford’s private jet
- FAO report highlights Ontario’s underinvestment in public services
- Ontario NDP pushes for a new youth summer jobs program
- Taking on the Triple Threat: Jobs, Affordability and the Climate Crisis
- Community forum on home energy retrofits
- TDSB Learn4Life summer registration is now open
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Auditor General releases damning report on special education
The Auditor General released four new reports on Tuesday, May 12, and they are damning.
The most concerning one, for our riding, is the report on special education. The Auditor looked into whether the Ministry and school boards have adequate procedures to ensure special education programs and services fulfill those students' needs.
The audit found that many students waited months for specialist assessments, with about one third of students waiting for over a year to be formally assessed.
There was an absence of standard criteria and guidelines for identifying and supporting students.
Individual education plans often lacked measurable goals, were not sufficiently individualized, and did not consistently document input from parents or guardians.
Educational assistant absences and vacancies went unfilled by a qualified substitute between 49% and 72% of the time, reducing available instruction and support.
The audit found that students with special needs were sometimes sent home, or asked to stay home, without formally tracking the number, documentation, or rationale.
When I read the report, my thoughts went to the difficult experiences of the parents and students who have contacted my office to complain about the shortcomings of special education.
Like the parents who are worried their child is falling behind in their large class, and their support plan is being ignored.
Like the parent who contacted me recently who was just told by her school’s principal to keep their child at home because there isn’t staff available to support them in the classroom.
Every parent understands the kind of emotional and economic strain this would place on a family. How can you work if you don’t know if your child is going to school that day?
Nearly every school board in Ontario spends more on special education than it receives from the Ontario government. There is a very real need to increase investment in special education and ensure that investment goes to hiring more qualified teachers and assistants to work with kids directly.
You can read about this report, and the other three reports on my website here.
The Conservatives have made it much harder to get basic information about what they’re up to. Who are they giving money to, and for what purpose?
In this climate of secrecy, the work of the Auditor General is extremely important because the office has the power to dive deep and thoroughly investigate the work of government and the agencies and sectors that are regulated by the government.
As a member of the public accounts committee, my job is to work with the Auditor General to work with the government and ministries to address these issues, and that’s what I intend to do.
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Conservatives vote down my motion for an audit into Ford’s private jet
On Monday, I brought forward a motion at the Standing Committee on Public Accounts calling on the Auditor General to conduct a value-for-money audit into the government’s purchase and subsequent resale of Doug Ford’s $30 million private jet.
My motion asked the Auditor General to investigate the full cost to taxpayers, including the purchase price, operating and maintenance costs, renovations, resale value, and any cancellation or additional fees connected to the aircraft.
At a time when Ontarians are struggling to afford groceries, rent, and gas, the Premier chose to buy himself a luxury private jet with taxpayer dollars.
The Conservatives voted the motion down.
Then, just days later, newly released documents showed Ontario taxpayers are still on the hook for nearly $200,000 in aviation-related costs connected to the purchase and resale of the jet — including maintenance, storage, legal fees, and outside aviation support.
These kinds of luxury purchases undermine public trust in government at a time when people are struggling to pay the bills and access the services they rely on.
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FAO report highlights Ontario’s underinvestment in public services
On Wednesday, May 14, the Financial Accountability Office released a new report comparing Ontario’s finances and spending levels with the rest of Canada.
Here is how we stack up.
Ontario ranks near the bottom when it comes to investing in public services. In fact, Ontario spent less per person than any other province in Canada in 2024-25 — nearly 20 per cent below the average in the rest of the country.
The report also found Ontario’s spending on health care was the second lowest in Canada, more than $1,100 per person below the average in other provinces.
That lack of investment has consequences.
It is one reason why emergency room wait times have doubled, why people are receiving care in hospital hallways, and why more than one million Ontarians still do not have a family doctor.
The report also found Ontario ranked dead last in “all other program spending,” this includes programs like childcare, disability supports, transportation, and infrastructure.
In times of economic uncertainty, the government should be investing wisely in public services and job creation opportunities, not unwanted airport expansions, casinos, and a tunnel under the 401.
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Ontario NDP pushes for a new youth summer jobs program
On Monday, May 11, I was proud to stand with Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles at a press conference announcing our plan to help young people find work and build a future in Ontario.
Right now, far too many young people are being shut out of the job market. According to the latest jobs numbers, Ontario’s youth unemployment rate has climbed to 17.7 per cent — more than 10 points higher than the province’s overall unemployment rate.
Young people are doing everything they are supposed to do. They are applying everywhere they can, working extra shifts, taking on debt, and trying to gain experience. But many are hearing nothing back.
That is why the Ontario NDP introduced an Opposition Day motion calling for a new Youth Summer Jobs Program.
Our plan would help create paid summer jobs and training opportunities through municipalities, non-profits, public agencies, and small businesses across Ontario.
The motion would guarantee every Ontarian under 30 either:
- 6 to 12 weeks in a paid job,
- a paid training and placement pathway, or
- a subsidized employer placement with supports for certification and licensing.
Young people deserve the chance to get their foot in the door, build experience, and feel optimistic about their future. That means investing in summer jobs, apprenticeships, and making college and university affordable and accessible again.
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Taking on the Triple Threat: Jobs, Affordability and the Climate Crisis
Join MPP Peter Tabuns (Toronto-Danforth) and Dr. Samantha Green for an online discussion on how renewable energy, energy conservation, and home electrification can help tackle rising costs, create good jobs, and address the climate crisis.
Speakers include John Cartwright, former President of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council, Megan Gordon from the Pembina Institute’s Sustainable Workforce program, Serena Mendizabal, Managing Director at Sacred Earth Solar, and Trish Long, founder of Switch Heat Pumps.
When: Wednesday, May 27 at 7PM
Where: Zoom (Register for Link)
You can register to attend here.
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Community forum on home energy retrofits
Join Seaton Village Green Neighbours for a community forum on home energy retrofits and sustainable living.
Learn from local energy experts about practical ways to make your home healthier, more comfortable, and less dependent on fossil fuels.
The evening will include presentations, a Q&A, and opportunities to connect with experts working on home electrification and energy efficiency. Free edible plants for gardens will also be available.
When: Thursday, May 28 at 6:30PM
Where: Palmerston Public Library Theatre, 560 Palmerston Ave
Register online here or learn more via the button below.
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TDSB Learn4Life summer registration is now open
Toronto District School Board Learn4Life summer registration is now open for adults 18 years old or above looking to learn new skills, stay active, and connect with others in the community.
Courses include languages, arts, fitness, technology, professional development, and general interest classes.
Seniors receive a 20% discount on course fees, and subsidy learners receive an 80% discount.
Browse courses, find the right program for you, and register here.