Accessible, affordable childcare is vital for families. We need a publicly funded system that supports parents and children alike.
We’ll create a universal, publicly funded childcare system that covers all families, regardless of income. By increasing provincial funding, we’ll reduce fees for parents and ensure fair wages for childcare workers. We’ll also work with municipalities to expand local services and provide flexible care options for parents, making it easier for families to access the support they need. This will be fully integrated with other family services, creating a seamless, comprehensive support system for Ontario’s working families.
Create 53,000 new, public or not-for-profit affordable childcare spaces
Establish a regional waitlist for childcare spaces with a single Daycare Application Portal
"We will end the stress and uncertainty of applying at dozens of child care centres and following up endlessly to secure a spot and establish one single Daycare Application Portal for each region to make it easier to find quality childcare close to home." — On Your Side, retrieved 2025-02-22
Establish a wage grid for childcare workers and ensure decent work standards
"We will ensure access to French language education programs close to home, and invest in French-language child care, a proven gateway to French language education." — On Your Side: The Ontario NDP Plan for the North, retrieved 2025-02-20
Remove rules limit municipalities in creating their own childcare spaces
Support community and cultural partnerships, training, inter-board cooperation, and hiring additional French educators
"Strengthen French education across Ontario by supporting community and cultural partnerships, training, inter-board cooperation and hiring additional French educators." — Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More For You, retrieved 2025-02-22
We don't have any Green policies on Francophone education.
Invest in Francophone education in French school boards and French immersion programmes in the English system
"We’ll invest in Francophone education in French school boards and French immersion programs in the English system." — ontariondp.ca, retrieved 2025-02-20
We’ll support Indigenous-led education, integrate Indigenous knowledge into curricula, and fund scholarships.
We’ll ensure Indigenous communities have access to culturally relevant education by incorporating Indigenous knowledge, languages, and traditions into curricula. We’ll fund Indigenous-led education programs and support post-secondary scholarships for Indigenous students. By working closely with Indigenous leaders, we’ll create educational policies that reflect the unique needs and values of Indigenous peoples, fostering understanding and reconciliation. This will be funded through a dedicated Indigenous education fund, sourced from reallocated government resources.
We don't have any ONDP policies on Indigenous learning.
We’ll reduce tuition for international students, offer financial support, and create work pathways.
I believe in making post-secondary education more accessible for everyone, including international students. We’ll reduce tuition fees and provide financial support to help with living costs. We’ll also create pathways for international students to gain valuable work experience in Ontario’s workforce and ensure they have access to affordable housing and healthcare. This will be funded through reallocating resources from non-essential government spending and creating partnerships with universities to ensure international students receive the support they need to thrive here.
We don't have any ONDP policies on International students.
We’ll reduce class sizes, hire more teachers, expand mental health support, and fund it through progressive taxes.
We’ll increase funding for K-12 education to reduce class sizes to 10-15 students, allowing for more individualized attention and improved learning outcomes. This will include hiring more teachers, supporting special education services, and expanding access to mental health resources in schools. We’ll also invest in up-to-date technology and educational tools, ensuring that students are equipped for the future. To support educators, we’ll provide better pay, professional development, and ensure smaller workloads, allowing them to focus on teaching. This will be funded through a progressive tax system, reallocating resources from inefficient spending, and reducing corporate tax breaks, ensuring that Ontario’s education system can provide high-quality, accessible learning for every student.
"We will reverse Ford’s education cuts and invest in a new, needs-based funding formula. The Ford government has cut education funding by $1,500 per student since 2018, leaving schools with fewer teachers and larger class sizes." — On Your Side: The Ontario NDP Plan for Southwest Ontario & Niagara, retrieved 2025-02-20
Review the funding model for schools to focus on student needs, not numbers of students
"We will review the funding model to focus on student needs and not numbers of students to support vulnerable students." — ontariondp.ca, retrieved 2025-02-20
Fix funding for student transportation
"And we’ll make sure students can get to class reliably and on time by fixing Ford’s broken student transportation funding." — ontariondp.ca, retrieved 2025-02-20
"We will fix student transportation funding. Students across Northern Ontario lost bus services when the Ford government increased the distance eligibility. Attendance rates among students in Thunder Bay who lost access to the bus service have dropped. We will make sure you can count on a school bus to come on time for your child to get to and from school safely, by fixing the student transportation funding formula." — On Your Side: The Ontario NDP Plan for the North, retrieved 2025-02-20
We’ll increase funding for special education, hire specialized staff, and provide assistive technologies.
We’ll increase funding for special education programs, ensuring that students with learning needs receive personalized support. This includes hiring more specialized staff, providing assistive technologies, and offering individualized learning plans. We’ll also expand training for teachers to better support diverse learning styles. Funding will come from reallocating resources within the education budget and implementing a fair tax system, ensuring that every child, regardless of their needs, has access to the tools and support to succeed.
End the practice of streaming for students with disabilities
"We’ll end the practice of streaming and make sure we are using data to support more equitable schools." — ontariondp.ca, retrieved 2025-02-20
Review the funding model for schools to focus on student needs, not numbers of students
"We will review the funding model to focus on student needs and not numbers of students to support vulnerable students." — ontariondp.ca, retrieved 2025-02-20
Expand funding, eligibility, and flexibility for the Safe Schools Grant programme
"Allow schools to address their unique staffing and infrastructure needs by expanding funding, eligibility and flexibility for the Safe Schools Grant program." — Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More For You, retrieved 2025-02-22
Set lower student-to-teacher and education-worker ratios
"Allow every elementary, middle or high school student to have support and supervision in the classroom by establishing a lower student-to- teacher and education-worker ratio." — Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More For You, retrieved 2025-02-22
Hire more mental health professionals, educational assistance, Early Childhood Educators, social workers, and child and youth workers
"Hire more mental health professionals, educational assistants, Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), social workers, child and youth workers and other staff, lowering the ratio of students to education workers in the Core Education Funding." — Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More For You, retrieved 2025-02-22
Commit to mutual respect and collaboration with students, parents, teachers, unions, and admins
"Commit to mutual respect and collaboration between the Ministry of Education, students, parents, teachers, unions and administrators starting with a commitment to not blindside educators with Friday afternoon announcements." — Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More For You, retrieved 2025-02-22
Reintroduce a one-year teaching degree to address the teacher shortage
We’ll hire more teachers, support staff, and mental health professionals, funded through tax reforms.
We’ll increase funding for K-12 education to hire more teachers, support staff, and mental health professionals. This will ensure smaller class sizes, better student support, and improved overall learning experiences. We’ll also provide fair wages and professional development opportunities for educators, empowering them to focus on teaching. Funding will come from reallocating inefficient government spending and adjusting tax policies to ensure that education remains a priority in Ontario.
Hire more teachers, educational assistants, child and youth workers, ECEs, and custodial and trade workers
"Hire more staff. Large class sizes, less direct support, it can be hard to learn in Ford’s Ontario. Dedicated teachers, educational assistants, child and youth workers, ECEs, custodial and trade workers – they make all the difference helping students get the one-on-one attention they need and maintaining a nurturing learning environment. Having more caring adults in schools makes them safer for everyone." — ontariondp.ca, retrieved 2025-02-20
Create incentives for mental health professionals, social workers, and speech and language therapists to work in schools in the North
"We will improve access to Autism services by creating incentives for mental health professionals, social workers and speech and language to work in schools and community settings in the North." — On Your Side: The Ontario NDP Plan for the North, retrieved 2025-02-20
We’ll implement inclusive policies, provide teacher training, and expand mental health support for LGBTQ+ students.
We’ll ensure that LGBTQ+ students feel safe and supported by implementing inclusive policies, providing training for teachers on LGBTQ+ issues, and creating safer school environments. We’ll also expand access to mental health resources and ensure that LGBTQ+ students have access to peer support programs. Funding will come from increasing support for school districts to implement these policies and programs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive and respectful environment.
We don't have any ONDP policies on LGBTQ+ students.
We’ll eliminate tuition fees, offer interest-free loans, and fund education through progressive taxes.
We’ll eliminate tuition fees for public post-secondary education and make sure students have access to affordable housing and support services. To pay for this, we’ll increase funding for universities and colleges while introducing a progressive tax on large corporations. We’ll also provide interest-free student loans, with repayment tied to income, so graduates aren’t burdened with crippling debt. This approach will ensure every Ontarian has the opportunity to access higher education without the financial strain, creating a more skilled and prosperous workforce.
We don't have any ONDP policies on Post-secondary costs and loans.
Cap international student enrolment at 10% for each Ontario college and university
Expand campus resources and affordable student residence options
Increase funding to colleges and universities to help their dependency on international student enrolment
Mandate post-secondary institutions to focus on generating intellectual property and commercialising their skills, technologies, and ideas
"Establish a province-wide policy mandating post-secondary institutions to increase their focus on IP generation and commercialization, and business adoption of skills, technologies, and ideas." — Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More For You, retrieved 2025-02-22
We’ll increase post-secondary funding, provide grants and scholarships, and support mental health and career development.
We’ll increase funding for post-secondary institutions, ensuring more affordable access to education and reducing the financial burden on students. This includes providing grants for low-income students, increasing funding for research, and supporting scholarships for underrepresented groups. We’ll also invest in programs that support mental health and career development. Funding will come from reallocating resources from non-essential government spending and implementing a fairer corporate tax system. This will ensure that all Ontarians can access quality education without the weight of crippling debt.
Permanently increase base funding for post-secondary institutions
"We’re committed to investing in public post-secondary education, permanently increasing base funding and investing in research and innovation to maintain our competitive edge." — On Your Side: The Ontario NDP Plan for Southwest Ontario & Niagara, retrieved 2025-02-20
"Innovation starts with education. We’re committed to investing in public post-secondary education at institutions like Lakehead University, Northern College, Cambrian College, and funding a dedicated French Universite de Sudbury. We will permanently increase base funding and ensure they have the reliable funding they need to deliver world-class education." — On Your Side: The Ontario NDP Plan for the North, retrieved 2025-02-20
Fund a dedicated French Universite de Sudbury
Work with Indigenous post-secondary institutions to offer more programmes and credentialing
"We will work with Indigenous post-secondary institutions, like the Seven Generations Education Institute to offer more programs and credentialling." — On Your Side: The Ontario NDP Plan for the North, retrieved 2025-02-20
Double annual capital funding for schools to clear the school repair backlog and install heating, AC, and air filtration systems
"Clear the school repair backlog and install heating, air conditioning and air filtration systems in every classroom by doubling annual capital funding for schools." — Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More For You, retrieved 2025-02-22
We’ll invest in new schools, upgrades for efficiency, and sustainable construction, funded by redirected resources.
We’ll invest in new school construction and upgrades to ensure safe, modern, and energy-efficient learning environments. This includes expanding schools in growing communities, upgrading facilities to meet environmental standards, and ensuring accessibility for all students. We’ll prioritize the use of sustainable materials and renewable energy sources in construction projects, reducing long-term operational costs. Funding will come from redirecting resources from unnecessary infrastructure projects and through green investment funds, ensuring schools are built to last and support the next generation.
"Fix our schools. Ontario’s schools are saddled with a massive repair backlog left behind by the Liberals, and it has only grown under Ford’s Conservatives. Freezing classrooms without heat in the winter, gyms and cafeterias with leaking roofs. We’ll fix schools to give students a high quality, nurturing learning environment. We will invest an additional $830 million a year to clear the repair backlog within 10 years while keeping up with school maintenance needs." — ontariondp.ca, retrieved 2025-02-20
We’ll update the curriculum to include critical thinking, financial literacy, mental health, climate change, and Indigenous perspectives.
We’ll update the school curriculum to include critical thinking, financial literacy, mental health education, and climate change awareness. We’ll integrate Indigenous history and perspectives across subjects, ensuring all students gain a well-rounded, inclusive education. Additionally, we’ll emphasize STEM programs and arts education, providing students with the skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Funding will come from reallocating resources within the education system, ensuring that curriculum updates align with modern needs and the future job market.
We don't have any ONDP policies on School curriculum.
"Feed every elementary and secondary school kid a free and healthy lunch every school day by quadrupling funding for school food programs." — Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More For You, retrieved 2025-02-22
We’ll expand school nutrition programs, source local food, and provide support for families in need.
We’ll expand school nutrition programs to ensure every student has access to healthy, affordable meals. This includes increasing funding for breakfast and lunch programs, sourcing locally grown, sustainable food, and ensuring that meals meet nutritional standards. We’ll also work with schools to address food insecurity and provide support to families in need. Funding will come from reallocating resources within the education budget and partnerships with local farmers and organizations to reduce costs and improve food access.
Create a universal school food programme, using fresh food prepared and grown in-province
"Feed students. Kids can’t learn on an empty stomach. Families are facing record high grocery bills, and inflation from tariffs could drive up costs even further. We’ll create a universal School Food Program so that every child in Ontario is set up to succeed. Ontario already feeds some kids in school, we’ll expand it for all and use fresh food prepared and grown right here in Ontario to do it. We can help kids focus on their teacher, not their hunger, and give families some financial relief." — ontariondp.ca, retrieved 2025-02-20
Double funding for the First Nations School Nutrition Program
We’ll increase access to counseling, wellness programs, and teacher training to support student mental health.
We’ll prioritize student mental health by increasing access to counseling, wellness programs, and peer support initiatives in schools. We’ll provide mental health training for teachers to better recognize and support students in need. Funding will come from reallocating resources within the education budget and creating partnerships with mental health organizations to ensure every student has the tools and support to thrive emotionally and academically.
We don't have any ONDP policies on Student mental health.
Require all electrical workers to be registered apprentices or have a certificate of qualification
"Doug Ford renewed the Ontario PCs’ commitment to enforce compulsory certification in the electrical trade and ensure all electrical workers in Ontario are registered apprentices or have a certificate of qualification." — ontariopc.ca, retrieved 2025-02-19
Provide opportunities for skilled trades and health care workers through union-led training programmes
Provide tax credits for employers who hire young people through paid co-op, internship, and apprenticeship programmes
"Cut youth unemployment by half by creating 40,000 new paid co-op, internship and apprenticeship positions through tax credits for employers who hire young people." — Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More For You, retrieved 2025-02-22
We’ll expand apprenticeship programs, reduce barriers to trades education, and align programs with job market needs.
We’ll invest in trades education by expanding apprenticeship programs, ensuring students have access to hands-on training and mentorship. We’ll reduce barriers for people entering the trades, including providing financial support for tuition and tools. We’ll also work with industry partners to ensure programs are aligned with job market needs, creating pathways for high-paying, in-demand careers. Funding will come from redirecting resources from traditional academic pathways and creating partnerships with employers to support training and employment opportunities.
