Legislative Update – April 30, 2022

The Legislative Assembly of Ontario resumed on April 28 with the main agenda item of allowing Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, to deliver the 2022 Budget in the Ontario Legislature. After the budget was tabled, MPPs passed a motion to adjourn the House. The election writ will be issued next Wednesday, May 4, 2022, and then the Provincial Election will occur on Thursday, June 2, 2022.

Provincial Budget

On April 28, the Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy, tabled the government’s budget entitled, “Ontario’s Plan to Build” with five pillars of focus: Rebuilding Ontario’s Economy; Working for Workers; Building Highways and Key Infrastructure; Keeping Costs Down and A Plan to Stay Open. The accompanying legislation, Bill 126, Plan to Build Act (Budget Measures), was introduced and includes the policies detailed in the budget. It includes six Schedules/changes to various Acts. OPSBA sent a summary of the budget to members earlier today and it can also be found on our website at: OPSBA-Provincial-Budget-Highlights-2022-23_website.pdf

Ministry News Release: Ontario’s Plan to Build | Ontario Newsroom

The full budget can be found at: 2022 Ontario Budget | Ontario.ca

Ministry of Education Communications

  • April 25, 2022 memo re: Grade 9 Science Course
  • April 25, 2022 memo re: Effective Early Reading Instruction: A Teacher’s Guide
  • April 22, 2022 memo re: Revised Grade 10 Civics and Citizenship Course
  • April 27, 2022 memo SB18: Reporting requirements for network operations and sustainment
  • April 26, 2022 memo SB17: 2022-23 Elementary and Secondary Class Size Reporting
  • April 25, 2022 memo SB16: Additional information on reporting requirements for the 2021-22 Excellence in Education Administration Fund
  • April 22, 2022 memo SB15: Additional Information: Supporting Ukrainian students who have been granted an emergency authorization to enter into or remain in Canada

OPSBA Provincial Election Actions and Advocacy 

As a non-partisan association, OPSBA advocates for and represents the voice of our public school boards on the diverse range of issues that affect students and communities, regardless of which political party forms government. During provincial elections, OPSBA participates in non-partisan advocacy efforts to ensure education remains top of mind among the provincial parties and the electorate. The Association encourages parents, students, seniors and other members of the public to learn about the issues impacting Ontario’s public schools, before voting day on June 2, 2022.

See our Provincial Election webpage for more detail including information about these actions:

  • The promotion of Wednesday, May 18, 2022 as Education Day* in the province of Ontario. On that day and other dates during that week, local candidates from major provincial parties will be invited to local schools to share their views and answer questions on the issues affecting public education.
  • Provincial Party Election Platforms vs. OPSBA Priorities
  • Party Responses to OPSBA Education Priorities Questionnaire

*Information will be sent out to all trustees next week with more information and resources for Education Day, including a related “I ❤️ public education!” video contest.

Trustee Nominations Open Next Monday

Next Monday, May 2 is the first day of nominations for the October 24, 2022, Municipal and School Board Elections. Be sure to check with your local municipal clerk for the full nomination details and process. All candidates are encouraged to submit their profiles (name, school board and ward) to TrusteeCandidateInfo@oesc-cseo.org. Candidates can also include a photo, a brief biography, social media handles, email addresses and website URLs with their profile. The information will be included in the revised and updated school board elections website.

New Accessibility Report Posted

The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility recently posted two Final Reports from the K-12 and Postsecondary Education Standards Development Committees.

The release of these two reports follows the K-12 Education Final Recommendations Report, which was released earlier this year. OPSBA has long advocated for school board perspectives to be included in any accessibility-related recommendations for the public education system, and did respond to the ministry’s consultation regarding proposed recommendations in October 2021.

REMINDER: REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for OPSBA’s 2022 AGM and Program Re-Connecting and Making a Difference

OPSBA looks forward to welcoming members back in person at the 2022 AGM and Program. Join us to determine priorities and directions for the coming year, elect officers and plan for the future. The event also features dynamic keynotes from Nik Nanos and “Brittlestar” Stewart Reynolds, professional development sessions and engaging opportunities for trustees to learn, network and re-connect.

Be sure to visit this link to register: Summary – 2022 AGM and Program (cvent.com)

Other News Releases and Information