Statement on Bill 101 and Recent Changes to Trustee Role

Earlier this year, the Ford government passed Bill 101, the "Putting Student Achievement First" act. This legislation introduces a number of changes to the education system, including alterations to the role of elected trustees. Operational and financial decisions, including the budget, are now handled by a "CEO", who is expected to be from the business sector. The bill follows the government's earlier suspension of Trustees, placing the district into "supervision" - effectively seizing control of the operation of the TDSB.

Despite these changes, and the ongoing suspension, the role of trustee remains essential to a well-functioning school district. Trustees, with direct access to the operational work of the district administration, remain the primary channel for ensuring that Toronto families have accurate and timely information about the state of the schools they trust with their children's future. And a capable trustee also offers parents and students an effective voice for highlighting - and resolving - their concerns when dealing with the administration and the ministry.

For better or worse, the Ford government does have the ability to modify or remove the statutory powers of trustees. But no government can ever remove the power of people to come together, organize, and make our world a better place. I believe that under these new rules, the most effective trustees will be those who care deeply about their community, understand how to unite people around shared values, and have the skills needed to turn that grassroots unity into the kind of power that no government can ignore. That's why I'm running - to put my years of advocacy and organizing experience to work for Etobicoke students, parents, and educators.