September 21st, 2020

NDP call for class size cap especially critical in Brampton as COVID-19 hotspot

QUEEN’S PARK — Sara Singh, NDP Deputy Leader and Brampton Centre MPP, says the NDP’s call for a 15-student classroom cap is especially critical for Brampton, which has re-emerged as a COVID-19 hotspot.

As COVID-19 cases mount locally, infections are piling up in schools. The Peel District School Board reported 31 active cases as of this morning, including one that closed a classroom.

“Brampton families shouldn’t have to choose between their kids’ health and safety and their academic success, but that’s exactly what the Ford government is forcing them to do,” said Singh. “Students are either heading back into crowded classrooms as COVID-19 infections circulate at alarming levels in our community or have been stuck waiting at home for online classes to start, slipping further and further behind.”

In Peel, parents who had planned to send their kids back into classrooms opted for online learning by the thousands at the last minute. Because of the mass exodus from in-school learning, students have been stuck waiting for online classes.

“Instead of investing in a full, safe return to schools in September, Doug Ford is shortchanging Brampton families yet again,” said Singh. “Governments Liberal and Conservative have long neglected health care in Brampton, and now Ford is refusing to fund the smaller, safer classes our community especially needs right now.

“I’m urging the government to act quickly on the NDP’s call to cap class sizes at 15 so we can better protect students and educators in Brampton and help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”

Singh’s call follows Brampton North NDP MPP Kevin Yarde’s successful motion last week demanding more resources for Peel to boost testing, community outreach and proactive workplace inspections.