Two MPPs pen letter calling on better funding for school infrastructure
Posted Apr 4, 2025 02:43:18 PM.
Last Updated Apr 4, 2025 05:09:33 PM.
A joint letter has been issued by the MPP for Waterloo and Kitchener Centre calling on the newly appointed education minister to reassess how school infrastructure is funded.
The letter, written by Catherine Fife, the NDP MPP for Waterloo, and Aislinn Clancy, the Green MPP for Kitchener Centre, calls on new Education Minister Paul Calandra to invest more into rebuilding aging schools. The letter comes after both MPPs met with the Waterloo Region District School Board after it was forced to close Elizabeth Ziegler Public School in Waterloo for the rest of the school year.
Fife, who is now the new critic for economic development and trade, said it makes sense to invest in schools now, especially with the tariffs coming in from the United States.
“We’ve made the point that investing in school infrastructure not only addresses the safety concerns and learning conditions, but serves as a really important job creator and economic stabilizer across Ontario, especially in their uncertain times,” said Fife.
Elizabeth Ziegler Public School had to close for the rest of the year following a concrete slab falling from the school’s façade. Since the closure, students have to attend different schools for the rest of the year, including Sandowne Public School in Waterloo. Fife said that Elizabeth Ziegler is not the only aging school in the region and there are more like it across the province.
“(By) putting this on the radar of the minister of education in a collaborative tone and matter from two MPPs, we’ve essentially reached across the aisle and said ‘can we please work on this funding formula to ensure this doesn’t happen in other communities,’ because it’s only a matter of time,” said Fife.
In their letter, the MPPs say the around 44.7 per cent of schools in the region are “not in good condition,” including a report from the Financial Accountability Office estimates a $178 million backlog for school infrastructure repairs. Both MPPs have also offered to meet with the minister.
“I am always eager to work across party lines and with other MPPs in our region to call on better from this government,” said Clancy in a press release. “And I appreciate MPP Fife’s collaboration on this important initiative. As we head back to Queen’s Park, I will continue to stand up for students and educators in our community and across the province.”
Justine Teplycky, a spokesperson for the Minister Calandra gave 570 News Radio the following statement:
Our government has more than doubled school infrastructure funding to $1.3 billion to build new and expanded schools. In addition, we are providing $1.4 billion annually for school boards to address school renewal needs and keep schools in a state of good repair. While the ministry provides renewal funding, school boards own and operate their schools. It is the board’s responsibility to determine how to allocate this funding to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for their students.
