One of the greatest sins we can commit as a society is to remove our children from their academic and social environments. Children need structured education, social immersion, and physical community to thrive. 

The Government of Ontario has unilaterally decided to close Ontario schools indefinitely without providing any data or scientific support. This decision contradicts almost every other educational jurisdiction in the world and will further erode the mental health of our most vulnerable population, our kids. 

As a parent (5 and 6 year old girls) and a citizen of Ontario I cannot sit idly while our children of all ages are robbed of their opportunity to learn and thrive. 

We demand a return to school no later than JANUARY 17.

COVID POSES MINIMAL RISK TO CHILDREN. Ontario has 2.4 million children and adolescents between the ages of 5-19. Since January 15, 2020 there have been 360 hospitalizations in this age group and 6 deaths. Cumulatively. In 24 months. Within the 5-11 year old elementary subset (1.1 million kids), there have been 95 hospitalizations and 1 death. In 24 months. Covid is less of a risk to children than the seasonal flu. https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/data-and-analysis/infectious-disease/covid-19-data-surveillance/covid-19-data-tool?tab=ageSex

SCHOOL LOCKOUTS ARE A MASSIVE RISK TO CHILDREN. Interrupted learning. Social isolation. Mental health degradation. Poor nutrition. Rise in dropout rates. Read about the many reasons here: https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse/consequences 

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2022/01/02/schools-are-essential-services-we-cant-fail-kids-again.html

Education is an essential service and schools need to remain open. Their recent closure is an outrageous abuse of power and Premier Ford and his government need to be held to account. Please join me by signing and sharing this petition and please EMAIL Premier Ford and Ministers Lecce and Elliott.

doug.fordco@pc.ola.org
stephen.lecce@pc.ola.org
christine.elliott@pc.ola.org 

Thank you for your consideration,
 
Markus Raty.
Dad to Miia and Emmi.
January 3, 2022
Toronto, Ontario