Screenshot Catherine McKenna
Schools across northwestern Ontario are getting more money to upgrade their facilities to protect students and staff from COVID-19.
A total of $656.5 million is being allocated as part of a new joint Canada/Ontario funding agreement.
The federal government is investing $525.2 million, while the province is responsible for more than $131.1 million.
Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the funding can be spent on ventilation projects, air cooling systems, HVAC upgrades, physical distancing initiatives, installing handwashing stations or touchless faucets and soap dispensers.
The funding is also earmarked for installing water bottle refilling stations and broadband expansion to support remote learning.
Lecce says, “It will allow us to look forward to continue to build upon the investments Ontario has made to improve the safety of schools, the facilities that house our children, allow our students and staff to learn every day.”
He points out the Ford government has invested more than $1.6 billion to protect students, staff and families since the pandemic started.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna says, “Communities are on the frontline’s of the COVID-19 pandemic, and need immediate assistance to ensure their public infrastructure is safe and reliable.”
Here is a breakdown on allocations for northwestern Ontario school boards:
-Rainy River District School Board: $2,068,000
-Lakehead District School Board: $1,875,000
-Keewatin-Patricia District School Board: $1,250,000
-Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board: $980,000
-Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales: $374,500
-Northwest Catholic District School Board: $166,000
-Kenora Catholic District School Board: $137,140
Catherine McKenna says the federal government is also investing an additional $150 million in funding for ventilation projects that can be accessed by provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities to reduce the risk the risk of airborne transmission of COVID-19 in public buildings such as schools and hospitals.
McKenna notes, “$30 million of these funds will go to projects that directly benefit Indigenous communities to help address the unique challenges they face. It is my priority as Minister of Infrastructure and Communities to ensure on a distinctions basis that we are supporting First Nations, Metis and Inuit across our country.”
