“Ontario’s 2024 fall economic statement, released yesterday, is projecting stronger revenue and economic growth than was expected in the 2024 Budget.
The investment of $750,000 over three years for the Scientists in School Program is encouraging. This money will help expand expert-led science, engineering, and technology workshops in elementary school classrooms, giving students more training and support as they prepare for the dynamic and evolving STEM fields that will shape Ontario’s future.
We were expecting an update on the implementation of the National School Food Program in Ontario after advocating for this much-needed investment since it was initially mentioned in the 2019 federal budget.
OPSBA remains hopeful, especially considering Premier Ford’s recent supportive remarks, that Ontario will collaborate effectively with the federal government to establish this essential program. Such a program promises to reduce barriers to learning by ensuring every student has access to nutritious meals, enabling them to better focus, engage, and achieve their full potential.
Analysis from the Coalition for Healthy School Food shows that the Ontario government’s funding of student nutrition is lagging many other Canadian jurisdictions. That’s why we continue to urge the Ontario government to build on a school food agreement with the Government of Canada by providing additional provincial funding to ensure every student has a full stomach at school.
A universal, responsive, and sustainable school food program will have lasting benefits for Ontario’s students and communities, and we urge swift action to bring it to life.”
– Kathleen Woodcock, President
