Ford’s attacks on education spark walkouts across Ontario

Education - Ford

On Wednesday, March 20, Unifor members joined students as they walked off campuses in protest against the PC government’s regressive approach to education.

“This solidarity action makes it clear that students are united in their opposition to the rollbacks the Ford government wants to implement, and we stand with them in this fight,” said Naureen Rizvi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director. “We are offering our full support during this crucial time of relentless attacks on students and on our education system.”

The walkouts symbolize widespread support for increased funding for public education, better access to grants rather than loans, elimination of tuition fees, and stronger protection of students’ freedoms, including their right to organize.

“Accessible education is the bedrock upon which we develop a skilled workforce and a well-functioning economy,” said Jodi Nesbitt, Unifor Chairperson for Education, Technology, Office and Professional Industry Council. “We need political leaders to make education accessible and barrier-free, instead of making it even more difficult to get into and stay in school.”

Hundreds of students participated in walkouts at:

  • Carleton University
  • Fanshawe College
  • George Brown College St. James Campus
  • Laurier Brantford
  • OCAD University
  • Ottawa Campuses
  • Trent University
  • University of Guelph
  • University of Toronto
  • University of Toronto Mississauga
  • University of Toronto Scarborough
  • Western University
  • University of Windsor

For more information on how you can support the fight for public education, click here.