Ontario Boosting Special Education in the North

Ministry of Education

Province Providing More Support for 20,000 Students in Northern Ontario

Sudbury, ON – May 19, 2017

The province is increasing support for approximately 20,000 students with special education needs across Northern Ontario, to help ensure that every student can be successful and reach their full potential.

Mitzie Hunter, Minister of Education, joined by Glenn Thibeault, MPP for Sudbury, was at École élémentaire catholique St. Dominique in Sudbury today to highlight Ontario’s new investments in special education.

The creation of a new Northern Supports Initiative and increases in the Special Education Grant will benefit students in 22 school boards, and help address the unique challenges of school boards operating in Northern Ontario. This new funding will:
•Support innovative and cooperative programs and services that deliver special education supports, such as sharing professional support services across school boards, to support children and youth with special education needs in Northern Ontario.
•Provide school boards with additional resources, such as mental health and behavioural support professionals, to ensure students with special education needs have the opportunity to succeed.
•Align with other Ontario initiatives, such as the Special Needs Strategy and Moving on Mental Health.

The targeted increases to the Special Education Grant will also assist school boards operating in remote and rural communities, as well as French-language school boards.

Enabling more students to achieve success in school and beyond is part of Ontario’s plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.