THUNDER BAY - There is still no definitive word on when publically funded schools in Ontario will reopen this year, but the province is taking steps to ensure all students have access to online learning.
During his daily media briefing from Queen’s Park, Premier Doug Ford said the medical officer of health has not said if schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year.
“He hasn’t as of yet,” Ford said. “As I’ve always said, we are going to determine when we reopen it based on health and science. That will be all our decisions moving forward. We don’t want to put our kids in jeopardy.”
All publically funded schools were closed in mid-March and that order was extended to May 4. Earlier this week, Ford said schools would not be reopening on May 4 but no future date has been determined.
“We are going to make sure we see the kids graduate this year,” Ford said.
When asked if there are plans being put in place with respect to schools remaining closed next September, Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, said the province is planning for any eventuality.
“When it comes to the summer process in September, I want parents to know that we are building a plan for the current school year from now until June,” he said. “If we get the impression that we need to add more supports or take additional measures leading into the next year, we will do it.”
As students continue to learn at home and online, the province announced a new partnership with Apple and Rogers to distribute 21,000 iPads to students in need, as well as free wireless data until the end of June.
“From internet access, from tablets to iPads, we recognize these are important tools to learn,” Lecce said.
“I know many parents are concerned about their kids being out of school,” Ford added. “No matter what their education must continue, which means having the educational tools to facilitate their online learning.”
Before transitioning to online learning earlier this month, the Lakehead Public School Board distributed more than 1,400 laptops to students for online learning from its own supply.
The province is also continuing to assist frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19 by expanding the list of those who qualify for emergency childcare.
The provincial government announced on Friday that it is expanding the list of workers who qualify for emergency childcare, including those outside of the healthcare profession.
“Looking after their kids while they look after us is just one small way we honour their sacrifice,” Ford said.
In March, the government ordered some childcare centres to reopen to provide childcare services to frontline healthcare professionals.
Those who qualify for emergency childcare now includes staff working in developmental services, victims services, violence against women services, child welfare services, anti-human trafficking services, shelter staff, power workers, pharmaceutical and medical supply workers, non-municipal water and waste water employees, and federally employed staff such as RCMP officers, Canada Border Service Agency workers, and Canada Post employees.
Staff identified by the Ministry of the Solicitor General such as First Nations constables, critical staff in community corrections, Office of the Fire Marshal staff, frontline staff in forensic pathology units, critical staff at the Centre for Forensic Sciences, and critical staff at the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre are also included.
"Our frontline workers are making a real difference in our lives and deserve our support," Lecce said. "We are providing emergency child care to more frontline workers because in these unprecedented times, we will do whatever it takes to keep families safe, cared for, and healthy."
