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Explore OPSBA updates, media releases, and recent instances of OPSBA spokespeople lending their expert point of view to the news.
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November 22, 2024OPSBA Statement on the Canada-Ontario National School Food Program Agreement
Toronto, November 22, 2024 – “School boards applaud the agreement reached between the federal and provincial government, marking a historic commitment of $108.5 million in new federal funds in support of student nutrition programs in Ontario. This long-awaited national program investment responds to years of advocacy by OPSBA and partners, building on the 2019 federal budget commitment, and represents a significant step toward a healthier and more equitable future for students across the province.
This program will make a transformative difference by breaking down barriers to learning, ensuring every student has access to the nutritious food they need to focus and reach their full potential.
As an endorser of the Coalition for Healthy School Food, OPSBA has long championed the need for a universal, stigma-free, and sustainable school food program, as this directly supports our mandate to promote student achievement and well-being. With many Ontario families facing rising costs of living, this funding will have a tremendous impact on school communities and family budgets alike.
We are eager to collaborate with our federal and provincial partners, as well as community stakeholders, to ensure the swift and effective rollout of this program. Our Association will continue to advocate for additional capital funding support for the construction of food preparation, storage and serving areas.
Together, we are laying the foundation for a school food program that will nourish and empower Ontario’s students today and for generations to come.”
- Kathleen Woodcock, President, OPSBA
For more information, please contact:
Shane Gonsalves
Managing Director, Government and Public Affairs
sgonsalves@opsba.orgT.J. Goertz
Manager of Strategic Communications
tgoertz@opsba.orgShare
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November 13, 2024
The 2025 Public Education Symposium
Registration and Program Now Available!
Registration for the 2025 Public Education Symposium (PES), taking place January 24 and 25 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto, is now open. We recommend booking early to secure your spot.
PES is OPSBA’s premier professional development experience. This year’s theme is The Time is Now! Today’s education world is incredibly complex – strong and skillful leadership is more important than ever. Join us at PES 2025 for the tools, insights, and professional learning you need now to lead with confidence and govern effectively.
Program highlights:
- An intimate discussion about the essential role of strong governance in Ontario’s education system with Giselle Basanta, Assistant Deputy Minister, Education Equity and Governance Secretariat, and Chief Equity Officer
- Remarks and Q&A with Ontario Education Minister Jill Dunlop
- A keynote address on Nationhood by Indigenous Leader Ovide Mercredi
- Learn about the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Action Plan to tackle anti-Black racism in Ontario’s education system presented by Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire
Hear from Ontario’s Education Critics as they share their priorities and their party’s approach to education. Then join us for a follow-up discussion where political strategists and pollsters will dig into what the critics and Minister Dunlop had to say, while discussing education priorities as we look towards the next provincial election.
There will be 15 professional development workshops to choose from focusing on topics such as Core Education Funding, Trustee Code of Conduct, Parent and Community Engagement, Advocacy, Director’s Performance Appraisal, Jordan’s Principle, Understanding Unconscious Bias, Healthy Democracy, and more.
Finally, PES includes unparalled trustee networking opportunities at regional meetings, networking breaks, receptions, and the annual gala dinner and awards ceremony.
View the full program and register
For more information, please contact the PD Events Team
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