On February 19, 2019, Goldie Ghamari, MPP for Carleton, discussed the Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, 2019 (Bill 48), a greatly needed piece of legislation. Life skills is an area that is often neglectfully overlooked in Ontario’s education system.

A few weeks ago, MPP Ghamari hosted the Honourable Todd Smith, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, for a meet-and-greet with BIAs, business owners and farmers from across the riding of Carleton. The lack of basic skills possessed by children and youth entering the work force is an issue that came up time and time again.

For example, Graham Green of Abby Hill Farms explained that many of the students who come to work on his farm don’t have basic math skills, while others are unable to even cook for themselves. Jeffrey Morris, owner of the Manotick Messenger and of the Barrhaven Independent, noted that he knows honour students who can’t even read an analog clock.

Somewhere along the line over the last 15 years, we have failed our students. We need to make sure our students are well equipped to cope with stress, to feel confident in their skills and to hope for a great future in whatever career path they choose.

We are sending a very clear message with the proposed changes in Bill 48. The safety, health and well-being of our children in this province is our government’s number one priority.