January 30, 2020 – Brampton - The Federal Liberal Government is continuing to support the Province of Ontario with $763.34 million through the Safe Return to Class Fund to continue keeping students and staff safe through the school year. The first instalment of $1 billion was provided to provinces and territories in September 2020.

Given the continued rise in COVID-19 cases, the Government of Canada will continue to be there to support provinces and territories in their efforts to protect the health of students and staff.

We will continue supporting Ontario and local school boards in their efforts to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. This funding will support measures, such as adapting learning spaces, including remote learning, improving air ventilation, increasing hand sanitation and hygiene, and the purchasing of personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies.

As we continue to deal with the pandemic, I’ve spoken to families who continue to have concerns about their children’s safety and wellbeing. We know how critical school is for kids’ development and future success, but we also know how important it is to keep students safe.

Rest assured that we will continue to do whatever it takes, for as long it takes, to beat COVID-19 and protect Canadians.

“Students, teachers, and staff must be safe in their classrooms. No parent in Brampton South should be losing sleep because they have to go back to work, but aren’t confident schools are properly prepared. Our Government will be there to help and recently, we announced the second instalment of the $2 billion Safe Return to Class Fund. I know that School safety is top of mind for all of us right now and our Federal Liberal Government will continue to be there.” — Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South