Feds and Province teaming up to improve Ontario schools

The governments of Canada and Ontario announced a joint venture that would provide $656.5 million in funding to upgrade the province’s school infrastructure.

The majority of the funding will go towards ventilation projects that involve improving air quality, but projects will also involve HVAC renovations, installing water bottle refilling stations, and investing in network and broadband infrastructure to support remote learning.

Of the funding, the Government of Canada is investing $525.2 million, while the Province is investing $131.3 million.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the wellbeing of students, parents and teachers. As we continue to battle this crisis, ensuring a safe learning environment for our kids is critical. That’s why the Government of Canada is investing 80 cents on every dollar for a total of over $500 million to make schools across Ontario safer for students and teachers,” Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, said in a news release.

“These projects will improve air quality, install more handwashing stations and support better physical distancing. They are part of the federal government’s support to help Canadians get through the pandemic safely, create good jobs across the province, and build stronger, more resilient communities,” she continued.