FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY CLIMATE ACTION, EQUITY AND ONTARIO SCHOOLS T


he fall has been a very busy time at ETFO, supporting members confronting historically large class sizes and pushing back against a


provincial government that has been dead set on taking over school boards instead of ad- dressing the real issues in public schools that have resulted from years of underfunding. Adjusted for inflation, the successive


funding cuts to public schools since 2018 add up to a staggering $6.35 billion. Tis represents a drop in per-student funding of $3,052. Tese funding cuts have led to a significant increase in violence in schools, a lack of resources and supports for students and educators, untenable class sizes and school buildings that are crumbling and ill- equipped to handle the increasingly com- mon extremes in weather. Tis issue of Voice is our environment is-


sue and a chance to highlight some of your best practices in bringing climate change and climate justice to life in your classrooms. We know that educators across the province are working hard to not only educate their students and teach them to think critically and creatively about climate solutions, but also to inspire hope in the generation that will ultimately take on these challenges. Every day Ontario teachers help students recognize their agency as citizens, their col- lective power to not only make small local changes but to influence larger, systemic ac- tions and call on decision-makers for policy change – particularly when it comes to cli- mate change and equity. Te devastating effects of climate change,


from severe floods and ice storms to intense heat waves and record wildfires, are not felt equally. Tey disproportionately burden mar- ginalized, low-income and racialized commu- nities, worsening existing social and econom- ic disparities. Our environmental education must continue to do more than teach conser- vation; it must prepare students to understand and confront these inequities to foster a gen- eration of advocates for climate justice. Climate change and climate education


are among the many issues on which ETFO advocates as part of our work to build better schools for all Ontario students. Last year, along with a broader campaign advocating


6 ETFO VOICE | WINTER 2025


for smaller classes and investment in the re- sources and supports students need to be suc- cessful, ETFO ran a campaign calling on the Ontario government to invest in school build- ings to make them greener and more resilient. While we teach about sustainability and


justice, the provincial government contin- ues to retreat from accountability measures designed to achieve these important goals. Responding to the Ontario government’s proposed legislative changes that would re- peal the legal requirement to set emissions reduction targets, develop a climate change plan, and report on progress, in November, Rick Smith, president of the Ontario Climate Institute, said “it is unclear how Ontario expects to achieve measurable results on reducing emissions and accelerating low- carbon competitiveness without setting a credible climate target or a plan to achieve it.” “What you don’t measure, you can’t man-


age,” Smith continued. “It’s disappointing to see Ontario walking away from basic trans-


parency and best practices for tackling cli- mate change.” Tis policy gap highlights a disconnect


in our education system. Public educa- tion on climate change and climate jus- tice should be supported and amplified by strong public policy, not forced to compen- sate for its absence. We need significant in- vestment – not only in updated curriculum resources and professional development that centre climate justice, but fundamen- tally in the physical infrastructure of our schools and the broader policies that will move Ontario forward. Tank you for all you do to bring the cli-


mate curriculum and all curriculum to life for your students. Tis meaningful work is both inspiring and demanding. With all the joys and challenges each school year brings, the winter break offers a wonderful chance to rest and recharge. Wishing you a peaceful and restful holiday season. – Sharon O’Halloran


PHOTO BY CHRISTINE COUSINS


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