Dear Canadian Party Leaders,
As Chair of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), I am writing to you ahead of the 2025 federal election to highlight four key priorities that impact the future of public education.
As Canada’s largest school board, the TDSB serves approximately 239,000 students in 579 schools. In alignment with the Canadian School Boards Association, we urge your party to consider the following areas that are crucial for the success and well-being of students in Toronto and across our nation.
Indigenous Education
The TDSB continues to advocate for sustainable funding for Indigenous education, including for those living in urban or off-reserve Indigenous settings. Toronto is home to the largest Indigenous population in Ontario, with Statistics Canada reporting a 42 per cent increase across Canada between 2006 and 2016. As the Indigenous youth population continues to rise, the need for a culturally responsive educational environment becomes paramount.
In collaboration with Indigenous communities, we are committed to ensuring that Indigenous students have access to education in their own culture and language. Support from the federal government is necessary if we want to see the full implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. The TDSB’s vision for a standalone, fully Indigenized building for Kapapamahchakwew - Wandering Spirit School is a testament to our commitment to creating culturally responsive educational environments that honor Indigenous teachings and community.
National School Food Program
Ensuring that all children have access to healthy food at school is essential. TDSB staff and volunteers work with the Toronto Foundation for Student Success to support 846 school and community-based Student Nutrition Programs that provide over 238,000 nutritious meals every school day. These programs are crucial to the physical and mental health of students, enabling them to thrive academically and socially.
We strongly support calls for increased funding to combat food insecurity. The federal government has committed $1 billion over five years to implement a national school food program, aiming to provide meals for up to 400,000 more children. The TDSB and its dedicated community partners are eager to collaborate with the federal government to ensure the swift and effective implementation of this program.
Child Care Agreement
Access to early childhood education is vital for the development of our youngest learners. The Canada-Ontario Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement aims to provide families with more affordable and high-quality child care options. We appreciate this increased investment that supports Toronto families and contributes to the overall well-being of Canadians, but there is more work to be done.
The TDSB has highlighted the urgent funding need for child care spaces, particularly in areas like Scarborough and Northwest Toronto, where demand far exceeds supply. Embedding child care services within schools not only supports early childhood development but also enhances labour participation and helps alleviate child poverty.
Support for Newcomer and Refugee Students
The TDSB has a longstanding tradition of collaborating with agencies to support refugees as they settle in Toronto. Our commitment to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and adequately resourced educational environment for all students, irrespective of their immigration status, is not only a moral imperative but also a legal obligation that aligns with the values of inclusivity and fairness that we uphold in Toronto, Ontario, and across Canada.
The TDSB has previously called for adjustments to funding models to better address the unique needs of newcomer and refugee students, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for their academic and social success. Providing targeted language, special education, and mental health supports can help newcomer students overcome barriers and fully participate in the educational experience.
Thank you for your attention to these important matters, and for your commitment to building a brighter future for our children. The TDSB believes that addressing these priorities will significantly enhance the quality of public education across Canada, benefiting countless students, staff, and families.
We hope that these critical issues will be thoughtfully integrated into your election platforms.
Sincerely,
Neethan Shan
Chair, Toronto District School Board
CC:Canadian School Boards Association, Ontario Public School Boards’ Association