Chris Selley: Ontario's back-to-school plan short on ambition but gets passing grade

The plan certainly could and should be more ambitious; its failure to mandate smaller class sizes or a minimum distance between students is conspicuous, in light of notably successful reopenings in Denmark and Norway — and in light of a report from doctors at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, which the government cites, that stressed the need for distancing. But there’s nothing in the plan that says schools can’t try to make the best of their individual situations.

There isn’t time to dawdle but nor is it too late: Labour Day is still five weeks away. Mild concern is appropriate. Fury and panic are not. We also need to remember that children themselves are not the human beings most at risk, either now or in September. All the evidence we have suggests otherwise healthy children are unlikely to suffer severe symptoms if they acquire COVID-19. We know for a fact they are vanishingly unlikely to die: Just one Canadian under 20 has succumbed to it. Symptom-wise, COVID-19 is clearly a nastier beast than the average flu bug, but the average flu bug kills an average of 21 Canadians under 20 a year.

Face of failure

On balance it’s a start. Local boards can and should customize to their local needs. There are plenty of available spaces in many municipalities, there are plenty of qualified teachers that are available to assist. It can work, if everyone wants it to work.

Do you want school to resume or not?

THE BOT delivers a message of hope to Ontario! Send your kids to school so we can send you back to work. We need to refresh our coffers & make some profit. Fullerton & Ford only killed 2000 seniors in LTC - worst record in the world. Would you trust this politician? fordnation

I like the full days but have concerns about my kids having to mask up all day. I am waiting until all the details are ironed out between the province and unions before I make a final decision for my children.

Why are we still letting government run a de facto monopoly over something as important as schools? Don’t we all yet understand how stupid and incompetent and corrupt government is? Choice, free market, vouchers. Sell all schools and defund the unions.

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