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Ford government is restricting public reach School board committee meetings,
Citynews has learned that the Ministry of Education of the province has directed the school boards under its jurisdiction, including the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), so that they can block the livestream of their monthly meetings.
David Lepofsky, chairman of the TDSB Special Education Advisory Committee, says the government has not given any reason for arbitrarily banning live streaming, and this change will be difficult for especially weaker families who cannot participate in meetings individually.
Lepofsky said, “This can only be difficult for parents/specialized education of disabled students, which need to press to improve an education system, which already behaves them like second class citizens,” Lepofski said.
A spokesperson of Education Minister Paul calendra did not explain in detail why the instructions were sent out, but told Citinues, “All the committee meetings remain open to the public. Committee members and representatives can still participate from a distance when necessary, and all welcome to participate in the person.”
The statement stated that all the committees’ minutes, agenda and decisions have been posted publicly “to ensure transparency and access to families and comprehensive community.”
Critics believe that this is another way that the Ford government is calming the voices of the parent, after the removal of trustees in the first five Ontario school boards.
“It’s shocking,” said Ontario NDP leader Marit Styles. “It’s exactly what we are worried about – that once the minister and his observer will control the voice and transparency of the parents, the voice and transparency.”