Ontario’s education system is facing severe challenges due to systemic underfunding, leading to alarming levels of violence and burnout among staff, as revealed by recent reports from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). Many educational workers have come forward, detailing traumatic experiences they’ve endured on the job amid what they describe as a crumbling educational infrastructure.
Rebecca Avey, president of CUPE Local 7575, recounted the harrowing details of her own injuries sustained at work, stating, "I was attacked with scissors; as I am blocking, I get punched in the head instead." This shocking incident is not seen as isolated; Avey insists it reflects the dire state of safety and support for educational staff across the province, where funding has not kept pace with rising costs.
CUPE’s recent survey of educational workers across Ontario supports Avey’s claims. Among the disturbing findings, it was reported almost 84 percent of respondents have experienced violent or disruptive incidents. Regular evacuations due to violence were reported by 61 percent of staff, and nearly 10 percent noted evacuations happen daily. Educational assistant Paul Nagy recounted his own harrowing experience: "Violence in the classroom is worse than people realize. I don’t come to school to get punched and kicked and have stuff thrown at me. That is an everyday situation in most schools. It’s traumatizing."
Underlining the urgency of the funding crisis, CUPE estimates the Thames Valley school board is facing nearly $93.7 million cut to per-pupil funding for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. Similarly, London District Catholic school board is bracing for approximately $31 million shortfall, exacerbated by inflation and staffing pressures. The unions argue this funding structure fails to provide adequate resources for safe and effective learning environments.
Education Minister Jill Dunlop responded to the unions' claims, stating, "No other government has invested more in education. Since 2018, our government has increased public education funding to historic levels..." She emphasized the recent announcement of $1.3 billion funding to build new schools and expand facilities as part of the effort to meet the needs of the growing student population.
The significant infrastructure investment signals some acknowledgment of the urgent needs. The Ministry of Education has allocated $267 million to the London area alone for six new school builds including public and Catholic schools, which are critically needed to address pressure from record-high enrolments and capacity issues. These schools will help alleviate the burden experienced by existing facilities currently managing with increasing numbers of students.
Bill Tucker, Interim Director of Education for the Thames Valley District School Board, commented, "This investment means families can access schools closer to home, in the communities where they live. This is about more than new buildings; it’s about ensuring our students and families feel supported and connected as they grow and thrive."
The funding allocated will also create more than 25,000 new student spaces and provide additional childcare services at various sites. Recent trends, as highlighted by local figures, show the need for educational resources is not diminishing. The London District Catholic School Board reported significant growth, adding over 1,500 students this year alone, requiring continuous adaptation of their facilities and staff.
While some incremental progress is being made, the broader challenges remain overwhelming. Avey warns, “Students are being housed rather than taught. They’re falling behind academically.” The strain of inadequate resources has led to severe emotional and educational gaps among students, who are now often exposed to situations characterized by lockdown drills and unrest rather than learning.
This reality of underfunding has been compounded by rising enrollment numbers without proportionate funding increases since 2011-2012, resulting in drastic cuts to per-pupil allocations, leading to inadequacies not only for educational assistants but also stymying resources for students needing special support.
The ramifications of the crisis extend beyond the classroom, affecting educational workers’ morale, leading to high levels of stress and turnover. The CUPE's survey revealed 83 percent of respondents reported significant stress due to excessive workloads. Many feel they are unable to provide adequate support to students, assigned insufficient resources to do their jobs effectively, creating a precarious circle of need and neglect.
There is hope, expressed by those within the education community, for the upcoming provincial elections to bring education back onto the campaign agenda. An agreement on educational funding must be reached to avoid exacerbation of the issues already plaguing Ontario’s schools. “It should be an election issue because it’s provincial tax dollars funding the education system,” asserted Mary Henry, president of CUPE Local 4222, advocating for renewed attention to the funding crisis.
Despite government claims of increased investment, the real impact on the ground—classroom dynamics, student safety, and educational quality—suggests the need for reform cannot wait. Only through comprehensive reassessment of funding priorities can Ontario fulfill its commitment to provide safe, inclusive, and effective learning experiences for all students.