TORONTO —
The new Conservative government in Ontario canceled $100.
The millions of funds earmarked for school repairs this year were cut as Doug Ford's campaign promised to lift the province's capand-trade system.
On July 3, the school board of directors received a notice that the greenhouse gas reduction fund would be canceled, covering only the work contracted on or before that date.
The memorandum obtained by Canadian media suggested that the school board immediately cease using the cash allocated in April.
"Please keep a detailed record of the contracts that have been signed, as the department staff will contact the board to collect information about the scope of work being carried out," the memo said . ".
Robin Pilkey, chairman of the Toronto Regional School Board, said the move was disappointing because the board had a backlog of $4 billion in maintenance costs.
Pilkey said that TDSB's maintenance budget for the current fiscal year was $0. 3 billion, including $25 million specifically obtained from the fund, and now faces tough options.
"Losing $25 million is a big deal for us," she said . ".
"Our maintenance backlog is very large and every piece is important.
In the next few weeks, we will have to make a decision whether we will not do these projects or whether we will make a decision from . . . . . . Take out money from other funds and throw away other things.
"The board plans to use this funding to repair the school's windows, lighting and other mechanical work," she said.
However, most of the money is unlikely to be spent because the board has to hire contractors through the appropriate procurement process, which takes time, she said.
"It's not like you get the money in May 1 and can be spent in May 15," she said . ".
"It will take a while for funds to flow.
"The province has a maintenance backlog of about $15 billion in 4,900 publicly funded schools.
Stephen siboen, spokesman for the public education campaign, an education advocacy group, said cutting would hurt schools in Ontario.
"It's terrible," he said.
"It's like nothing.
There is no discussion about what will be done to the school's budget.
Seaborn said that the removal of caps and transactions clearly had unintended consequences, and that the reduction in funding for renovation projects was a good example.
"My message to the prime minister is to observe what you have done," he said . ".
"This has a huge impact on 2 million primary school students in the province.
Ford, during his campaign, promised to lift the cap and deal, and withdrew the regulations that set out the program, one of his first acts after his official oath of office on June 29.
Ford's spokesman, Simon Jeffries, said the Conservative Party received a strong mandate from voters to close the cap and deal.
"Ensure the orderly wind
Decline in number of projects funded through capand-
"Trade carbon tax, the government will abide by the arrangements that have signed contracts and have placed orders," he said in a statement . ".
"A decision will be made on a case to continue any concrete initiatives --by-case basis.
Peggy Cutler, NDP legislators, said the Ford government's decision to cut funds would hurt children in Ontario.
"The children have completed the school year in a sultry classroom, and by winter they will be wearing coats and gloves at their desks," saatler said in a statement . ".
"There are some water dispensers that are not safe and the roof needs to be replaced.
With more than one
Schools in Ontario need investment, not cuts.
"It's sad that there's no hope for kids and educators, and our kids' classrooms are one of the first places where Doug Ford's axe fell, which is absolutely disgusting," she said . ".