FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HUNTSVILLE, ON: On Saturday, Feb. 15, representatives from OSSTF (Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation) and ETFO (Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario) announced they have joined together to endorse Matt Richter.
“We believe that Matt and the Green Party have the best interests of educators in Ontario,” said Rob Hammond (ETFO Near North President). “Matt is very well-versed not only in education, but also our economy, housing, and healthcare. We think that Greens would be the best representatives of us at Queen’s Park.”
Parker Robinson (OSSTF Near North President) joined the call for change, standing alongside Richter and Green Party leader Mike Schreiner at a campaign announcement in Huntsville.
“I’m honoured by the trust placed in me by my fellow educators,” said Richter. “As a teacher and a parent, I’m committed to building a better Ontario for our children and future generations. I look forward to working closely with OSSTF and ETFO as MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka to improve access to quality education in rural communities and across our province.”
Parry Sound–Muskoka’s schools are in crisis. Doug Ford has cut $3.1 billion from education since 2018—that’s $1,500 less per student. Classrooms are overcrowded, students with special needs aren’t getting the supports they deserve, and almost 40% of schools across the province are in disrepair. Too many kids arrive at school hungry, with teachers and education workers left to fill the gaps of an underfunded system. Mental health services are out of reach, and parents, educators, and communities are struggling to keep up.
Matt Richter and the Ontario Greens will:
Restore education funding by increasing per-student funding by $1,500 and clearing the school repair backlog so every child learns in a safe, modern classroom.
Fully fund special education and expand OHIP to cover mental health care so students and educators can access the support they need, when they need it.
Reduce class sizes—capping Grades 4-8 at 24 students and Kindergarten at 26 students with full-time educators in place.
Expand school food programs to immediately double the number of students with access and ensure every child can focus on learning.
Strengthen public education funding to support teachers, reduce staff shortages, and address the unique needs of rural and remote schools.
End mandatory e-learning and eliminate EQAO testing to refocus on student success.