Joel Harden MPP / Député, Ottawa Centre

Government of Ontario

MPP Harden denounces cuts to Ottawa teachers during ongoing pandemic

Published on March 10, 2021

OTTAWA and QUEEN’S PARK — Ottawa Centre MPP Joel Harden is worried about looming education cuts after learning that Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is expected to cut 167 elementary and secondary teachers this fall. Kids will need more help to get back on track – not less, says MPP Marit Stiles (Davenport) and MPP Joel Harden (Ottawa Centre).

“Students have faced a year of turmoil and are dealing with huge challenges in learning and their overall well-being. We need more caring adults in schools, not less,” said Stiles. 

Ottawa Centre MPP Joel Harden is concerned the province was making deep cuts before the pandemic, and it looks like they are planning to return to those deep cuts after the pandemic.
 
"Ottawa teachers, education workers, and parents did everything they could to keep students safe during the worst of the pandemic,” said Harden. 

“Our school communities took it upon themselves to take extra precautions to care of each other, and now instead of announcing help, the province may take away their supports. They need more help to get through this pandemic, and they’re going to need more help in the school year ahead to recover from the learning loss and trauma of the pandemic."