Parents are fighting back over the planned closure of many schools, especially here in Northern Ontario.
A huge protest is taking place at Queen’s Park today combined of parents and a newly formed group called Ontario Alliance Against School Closures. The group which was formed less than a month ago already has signatures from over 40 Save Our School group calling for the end of school closures in our province.
Temiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof says when schools in small rural communities close it forces students to be bussed extended periods of time which is not good for their health or education. He says when students are forced to take extended bus rides home they miss out on the opportunity to get involved in extra-curricular activities. Vanthof says schools are the heart of local communities and when they close it hurts not only the students but also the town.
