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Legislative Update – January 17, 2020

2020 1/28 | Connects Page, Provincial Updates

A photo of Queen's Park in Toronto from the front on a sunny day.

The Legislative Assembly of Ontario is on winter break and is scheduled to return on February 18, 2020, after Family Day.

2020 Pre-Budget Consultations – Dates Finalized

The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs are holding Pre-Budget Consultation public hearings across the province in Toronto, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay, Kitchener-Waterloo, Belleville, and Niagara. OPSBA has been working with member boards in those areas and have four boards who will be presenting and speaking about the need for stable, responsive and equitable funding to support student achievement and well-being. Written submissions need to be sent to the Clerk of the Committee by 6:00 p.m. on January 24, 2020. The clerk, Julia Douglas, is available at: comm-financeaffairs@ola.org 

Ministry of Education 2020-21 Education Funding Consultation

The Ministry of Education released memo B:01, 2020-21 Education Funding Feedback that includes information about the consultation approach to this year’s Grant for Student Needs (GSN). This year’s process does not include specific funding questions but rather asks for “comments on initiatives that could support reducing red tape and administrative burden for the education sector.” Following the initial discussion at most regional meetings in early November, OSPBA has created a brief survey seeking information from all boards to help inform its final submission which was sent to all OPSBA Board of Director members. Education Funding will be an agenda item at the upcoming work team and ITC meetings held at PES. The feedback deadline is January 31, 2020 and OPSBA has asked for an extension.

Other Information

January 17, 2020 News Release – Ontario Investing $200 Million in Small, Rural and Northern Communities

January 16, 2020 News Release – Applications Open for the Minister’s Advisory Council on Special Education

January 15, 2020 News Release – Government Stands with Parents and Kids During Union-Led Strike Actions in Schools

January 13, 2020 Statement from the Minister of Francophone Affairs on the Appointment of a New French Language Services Commissioner

January 10, 2020 News Release – Ontario takes Action to Address Skilled Trades Shortage

January 8, 2020 Statement – Minister of Education on EQAO Testing

December 21, 2019 News Release – Third Reviewer Added to Peel District School Board Review

Ontario Ombudsman – December Newsletter

Please note: There were several recent statements issued by the Minister of Education regarding labour issues. These are available at: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/new/new.html