OTTAWA — NDP Shadow Minister for Education, Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West – Nepean) released the following statement in response to the Ford government handing Staples a contract to sell school supplies to elementary school teachers:
“This is another clear example of Doug Ford and Paul Calandra being focused on the wrong priorities. When our kids are in overcrowded classrooms in unsafe schools without the supports they need, this government’s priority is giving a sole vendor contract to an American owned company, instead of properly funding our schools.
“Teachers should be able to expect to have properly stocked classrooms without having to turn to Staples to buy basic supplies themselves. The Minister of Education also seems unaware of fundamental details like when the first day of school is across the province. How are teachers whose schools return before the portal opens or the day that it opens supposed to have the supplies, they need to be ready for the first day of school?
"Instead of helping their corporate buddies, Doug Ford and Paul Calandra need to show some respect for our kids and our dedicated educators and properly fund our schools.”