KAWARTHA LAKES-A coalition of children’s healthcare experts says they are deeply disappointed that Ontario has not acted upon the broad consensus for a regional re-opening of in-person learning. This consensus included children’s healthcare, public health, scientific experts and teachers’ organizations.
“Throughout the pandemic, children and youth have made enormous sacrifices, from missing school, to the delays of surgery and treatment. To date, there has been inadequate attention to their needs. For many kids, the decisions by government will impact their learning, development, physical and mental health not only now but for years to come.” said a statement issued by the Children’s Health Coalition.
The group says Ontario needs a coordinated recovery plan where kids are the priority and health equity is the guiding principle.
“We know children from low-income families, children who are Black, Indigenous and racialized and children with disabilities are even more profoundly impacted by the pandemic.” continued the statement.
In the past 15 months, Ontario public school students have only been in school approximately 5 months. There are few places in the world where kids have been out of school more than Ontario, and no other Canadian province has had school closures this long according to the experts.
“Children and youth have not been a priority in Ontario’s pandemic response. Children must be a priority in the pandemic recovery – for the sake of their future and the sake of our province’s future. We look forward to working with government and all stakeholders to develop a robust plan to address kids’ needs.”
Recently Premier Ford asked health experts, teachers unions and public health for their views on school reopening. The vast majority said schools should re-open.
“School closures create significant harms. A survey shows substantial deterioration of mental health status among children and youth during the pandemic.” The response was signed by 13 different children’s medical groups including Sick Kids, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ontario Medical Association and Paediatricians Alliance of Ontario and more.
On Wednesday, June 2nd the Ontario government announced schools across the province would remain shuttered until at least September, going against the advice from the very experts they reached out to.
The Children’s Health Coalition is a growing collective of children’s health organizations, including CHEO, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, SickKids, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital – London Health Sciences Centre, Children’s Mental Health Ontario and Empowered Kids Ontario.
