Premier Doug Ford and his education minister defended Ontario's back-to-school plan on Friday amid concerns about elementary class sizes, saying the government is "flexible" but does not intend to revisit the strategy. Education Minister Stephen Lecce first revealed the province's plan for a return to class for students last week. Since then, he and the premier have faced criticism from some parents and educators, in particular over the decision to keep elementary school class sizes at pre-COVID-19 levels. Among them, $30 million to hire more staff to decrease elementary class sizes whenever possible. A CBC News count based on data provided directly by public health units put the real toll at 2,821.

Source: CBC News August 07, 2020 13:02 UTC