Legislative Update – September 13, 2021

As previously noted, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario will now remain adjourned until October 4, 2021.

COVID-19 Update / Return to School Fall 2021

The COVID-19 cases in schools and child care centres webpage has been updated with a note stating that the page has been “archived” and is only “provided for archival and research purposes.” Queen’s Park media is reporting that the Ministry of Education will in fact continue to “report the number of COVID cases among students and staff at every school and that the webpage will be up shortly.”

Two memos were recently issued:

    Federal Election – Monday, September 20, 2021

    OPSBA advocates for non-partisan strategies to engage politicians on issues that affect public education and our children and youth during federal elections. OPSBA President Cathy Abraham has shared the Association’s Federal Election Package which is not meant to add any undue burden or work for our members. It is intended to support the key messages developed by the Canadian School Boards Association. Our package includes topics that were part of our annual Grants for Student Needs submission and reflect current issues, such as the exodus of refugees from Afghanistan, our own plans to support Anti-Racism Initiatives, and the latest tragic discovery of student graves on residential school lands.

    Advance Voting has begun and more information about local polling stations and what you need to vote, can be found at Elections Canada. Voters are to wear masks and bring their own pen or pencil.

    Mathematics Proficiency Test (MPT)

    On September 9, a memo regarding updates about the MPT was shared with the education sector. The deadline to complete the test was extended to December 31, 2021, and the fall test window is scheduled for September 27 to December 31, 2021. These are to be booked online via the MPT website.

    Other News Releases and Information