Response to Doug Ford’s commitment to keeping class sizes big in September

Andrea Horwath, Leader of the Official Opposition New Democrats, released the following statement in response to Premier Doug Ford’s news conference Wednesday, in which he defended his decision to send kids back to school with regular, large class sizes for all primary school students and many high school students.

“Like many parents, teachers, educators and health experts, I was horrified today to hear Doug Ford dig in his heels and refuse to reconsider his plan to send kids back into jam-packed classes in September.

Thirty or more kids crammed into one small classroom wasn’t ok before the pandemic when Mr. Ford was cutting teachers and education workers and hiking class sizes. Now, it’s downright dangerous.

I’m asking Mr. Ford to listen to the parents who are worried. Listen to the experts that say small class sizes are necessary to keep our kids safe.

Time is running out, but it’s not too late. We need smaller, safer classes in September.”