Budgetary Measure Suggestion | Advocate for High-Level Administrative Reduction, Rather Than Eliminating More Student Programs by the TDSB
Here's a fresh take on the article:
The Harmful Cuts to TDSB's Music Program and Pool Closures Puts Vulnerable Students at Risk - Parents Speak Up
April 29
Let's face it, when cuts are inevitable in the TDSB, they always seem to target the most vulnerable. Remember when they did away with library assistants and shut down school libraries, just when students needed them the most?
Now, it's the turn of itinerant music teachers, whose positive impact on students' lives has been extensively documented. Those who can afford private lessons for their kids will be fine, but what about everyone else?
The board is also considering closing school pools. While some students will learn to swim through private lessons, summer camps, or their own pools, others will miss out on this vital life skill. Tragically, this could lead to preventable drownings, as was the case with a Toronto student on a TDSB field trip.
Isn't it time to reassess the positions of the TDSB's 41 senior staff? Each of these well-paid individuals has an office, staff, and salaries, not to mention pensions. It's high time we looked at what jobs could be combined or perhaps even eliminated.
Maxanne Ezer, Toronto
The Arts: A Shortsighted Oversight in Canadian Education
The persistent undervaluation of music education is once again under the spotlight. Research from Harvard Medical School highlights the importance of the study of music, especially the connection between it and medicine. As professors from both fields require dedication, discipline, and creativity, aren't we shortchanging our youth—and ultimately society—by denying them these opportunities?
Private music lessons and instrument purchases can stretch even the most budget-conscious Canadian families thin. Albert Einstein once said, "Life without music is inconceivable." He started playing the violin at six and considered his music studies a major factor in his scientific discoveries. Let's not deprive future Einsteins of the chance to discover their own talents.
Julia Bowkun, Toronto
Doug Ford: Keep Off the Courts!
April 30: Ford promised to appeal the injunction against removing Toronto bike lanes. But a democratically elected government, in this case the city of Toronto, has already approved this ruling. It's outrageous that Ford is advocating for American-style politics with judges being voted in, and it's equally offensive that a politician thinks he can dictate court decisions. Ford, stick to your lane and stay out of the courts!
Laura Fehr, Mississauga
Bike Lanes Are a City Issue
Premier Doug Ford claims the courts should have no say in bike lanes, but what about provincial issues? Ford should focus on matters affecting the entire province and leave city decisions, like bike lanes, to the municipalities.
Jil McIntosh, Oshawa
Ford Displaying Trumpian Instincts
Criticizing the judiciary and promoting a partisan agenda—this sounds suspiciously familiar to the autocrat down south. While avoiding checks and balances may seem appealing, we need look no further than our American friends to see the disastrous consequences of these actions.
Joe Wright, Toronto
A Minority Government: Not an Instability
May 1: Jaime Watt's opinions question the ability of Mark Carney to negotiate with Donald Trump due to the minority status of his party. But let's not forget that opposition to Trump is almost universal in Canada. The Prime Minister has the support behind him, and a majority government isn't always better—minorities have worked effectively in western democracies for decades. Increased representation in Parliament, so that more voters are actually represented, is the real issue.
John Stillich, Innisfil, ON
Minority Government: A Strength in Challenging Times
The recent election results demonstrate that Canada is not going to cave to global bullies like Trump or attack dogs like Pierre Poilievre. Regional differences may exist, but we can find common ground through peaceful and democratic means. While the media may express concerns about a minority government, Canada has experienced its best moments under these conditions. A leader and a party well-prepared to address major challenges are what the nation needs.
Richard Murri, Niagara Falls, ON
Disclaimer: Opinion articles reflect the authors' interpretations and judgments of facts, data, and events. These opinions may not necessarily represent those of the publication or its editors.
- The government's cuts to the TDSB's music program and pool closures could put vulnerable students at risk, as stated by concerned parents.
- The arts, particularly music education, are being overlooked in Canadian education, despite its documented benefits for both medicine and overall student development.
- Doug Ford's aim to appeal the bike lane injunction and legislate court decisions shows Trumpian instincts, potentially undermining Canada's democratic system.
- The city of Toronto, and not the provincial government, should handle decisions regarding bike lanes, as they are city-specific issues.
- A minority government may not seem ideal to some, but it has been effective in western democracies for decades, often leading to increased voter representation.
- Canada's recent election results indicate a nation not easily swayed by global bullies, and a leader and party prepared to face challenges are what the nation needs.
- The undervaluation of music education in Canada could deprive future young talents of equal opportunities to discover their potential.
- Closing school pools could lead to preventable drownings, especially for students who lack access to private swimming lessons or their own pools.
