Northern and low income students bear brunt of music cuts: NDP
QUEEN’S PARK – NDP Education Critic Peter Tabuns says recent government cuts are taking music education out of many Ontario classrooms.“Last year the government eliminated the Program Enhancement Grant that supports arts in schools; now we are seeing the impact on children,” said Tabuns in question period. “According to People for Education, only 44% of Ontario elementary schools now have a full time or part time specialist music teacher. That’s a drop of 5% from last year, and the lowest since 2005.”
In his question to Education Minister Liz Sandals, Tabuns cited Graham Henderson, the President of Music Canada, who has expressed concern about “the declining commitment towards music education” in Ontario.
“Access to music teachers has fallen drastically since 1998. Only one in four schools in northern Ontario has a specialist music teacher,” said Tabuns. “And low income students are the least likely to have the opportunity to sing in a choir or play in a band.”
Tabuns demanded an explanation for the cuts, and urged the Minister to take action to reverse the decision.
“When will the minister take action to ensure that all students in Ontario have full access to music education?,” asked Tabuns.
