The federal government has introduced a new Safe Return to Class Fund to help schools prepare for the opening of a new year.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says two billion dollars is being made available for provinces and territories.
“We’ve made this funding flexible so provinces and ultimately schools can use it for what they need most. From hand sanitizer to remote learning.”
The investment includes $112-million for schools in First Nations communities.
“This money will help those communities safely open their schools with proper supports for students, parents and educators.”, says Trudeau.
The funding is on top of the $19 billion Trudeau has already promised provinces and territories to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trudeau says education is a provincial responsibility but he has heard from so many people who are still worried about school reopening plans.
He states “We know that there is more to do to ensure that parents aren’t anxious or as anxious about the return to class. We have no intention and we had no intention of interfering with provincial areas of jurisdiction.”
Trudeau adds “This money coming in to be able to top up the plans that the premiers have set forward is going to be something that will give people confidence. Not just in the safety of their kids but in their ability to get back to work and our economy to get going once again.”
He stresses children must always be our top priority as parents and as governments.
