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Thunder Bay's "Hands Off Our Schools" Town Hall Highlights Education Concerns
A virtual town hall hosted by MPP Lise Vaugeois brought together trustees, educators, parents, and students to voice growing alarm over funding cuts and provincial oversight in Ontario’s public schools. Participants highlighted more than $6.3 billion removed from the system since 2018, leading to larger class sizes, reduced transportation, and deep cuts to special education.
One of the most pressing issues raised was the exclusion of children with disabilities—over 21,000 students across Ontario are currently unable to attend school because the supports they need aren’t available. The discussion also focused on Bill 33, which critics say threatens local decision-making by allowing the province to replace elected trustees with appointed supervisors. MPP Kevin Holland defended the legislation, saying interventions occur only when boards fail to meet provincial standards.The virtual gathering underscored a community worried about the future of public education and the impact on students who need support the most.
