Arts education is fundamental in fostering imagination, creativity, and problem solving in children, in addition to helping them to understand and explore their culture.

School libraries provide equitable access to books, Information Technology, and other materials, aid in the development of critical research skills, expand a student’s knowledge, and inspire a sense of wonder and a passion for learning.

But Doug Ford’s massive underfunding of education in Ontario is putting arts education and student libraries at risk:

• The new education funding model eliminates protected funding for school libraries.
• 17% of schools have no librarian already, a 183% increase since 2019!
• Less than half of elementary schools have a music teacher, a 23% decrease since 2020.
• Only 8% of elementary schools have a visual arts teacher and just 6% have a drama teacher.
• Per-student funding has declined by $1500 since the Ford government came to power, requiring school boards to make deep cuts.
• Boards who are desperate to fund other critical areas of education such as school safety and special education are forced to look at arts and libraries as potential areas for cuts.

We are calling on the Ford government to properly fund education, fix the funding formula, and support arts education and school libraries.

Add your name and take action now.