Supporting students, strengthening our community

By Lucille Collard, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for Ottawa-Vanier

As spring arrives in Lowertown and we welcome longer days, it’s a fitting time to reflect on what we are building for our children and our community’s future.

Education is a major topic at Queen’s Park these days. Bill 101, the Putting Student Achievement First Act, expands provincial control over student assessment. Attendance will be reflected in grades, and the minister will have broader authority overboard budgets, expenses, educational materials, and governance.

A strong, fair, and prosperous society begins with education. If we want our children to succeed, academically and mentally, we must invest in schools in ways that truly meet their needs. Yet we are seeing concerning trends across Ontario schools: increased violence, rising absenteeism, and growing mental health challenges. These are signs that too many students are struggling, and that we need to address the root causes.

Students thrive in environments where they feel safe, supported, and inspired. That means ensuring access to teachers, educational assistants, and mental health supports, as well as creating inclusive and nurturing school environments. These are not extras, they are essential to student success.

While accountability in education is important, this bill focuses heavily on centralizing decision-making at Queen’s Park and weakening the role of locally elected school trustees. Unfortunately, this does little to address the real challenges students face in classrooms every day. Local voices matter, and meaningful investments in student well-being must be at the heart of any reform.

If we want a better society tomorrow, we must invest in our children today.

I would very much welcome your thoughts. Please reach out and share your perspective. I always appreciate hearing from you.

Wishing you all a great spring!