A new grassroots campaign is challenging the provincial government’s decision to eliminate a long-standing international languages program within the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB). The petition, titled “Keep your word Doug,” has garnered more than 600 signatures within its first 24 hours, signaling significant pushback against the board’s plan to phase out weekday language instruction for the 2026-27 school year.
TCDSB Trustee Maria Rizzo launched the initiative this past Wednesday, aiming to protect a curriculum that has served students for more than 50 years. The program, which currently operates in 44 schools and offers instruction in languages including Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin, Spanish and Ukrainian, supports more than 19,000 students from junior kindergarten through grade 10.
Did You Know?
The international languages program currently supports more than 19,000 children across the TCDSB, providing instruction alongside the regular school day in 44 different schools.
Context and Implications
The decision to phase out the program was announced by a provincially appointed supervisor as part of a strategy to address the board’s deficit. The board maintains that the shift is necessary to comply with Ministry requirements for 300 minutes of daily instructional time. Officials have indicated that the curriculum will transition to a Saturday format to ensure students maintain access to language learning.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from stakeholders who argue the transition will degrade the quality of education. Val Di Gregorio, president of CUPE Local 3155, expressed concerns that moving to Saturday classes would lead to overcrowded, multi-grade environments, describing the potential outcome as a “babysitting service.”
Expert Insight:
The tension here highlights a fundamental conflict between provincial fiscal mandates and the preservation of long-standing community-based educational services. The loss of 77 teaching positions, combined with the loss of weekday integration, suggests that the administrative effort to balance the budget may come at the cost of accessibility and classroom continuity for thousands of families.
The Road Ahead
As the petition gains momentum, it remains to be seen whether the provincial government will reconsider its position. Rizzo has pointed to past commitments she claims were made by Premier Doug Ford to not interfere with the program, arguing that those pledges should be honored. With a similar petition from the St. John Vianney Parent Council having already collected over 2,000 signatures, the pressure on the government to address these concerns is likely to increase as the 2026-27 school year approaches.
If the current plan proceeds, the transition will result in the displacement of 77 instructors, many of whom have expressed deep concern regarding their future in a precarious job market. Whether the board or the Ministry will offer further adjustments to the rollout remains an open question for parents and staff awaiting clarity on the future of the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the international languages program being cut?
The provincially appointed supervisor stated the program is being phased out to support the TCDSB in reducing its deficit and to ensure compliance with Ministry requirements for 300 minutes of daily instructional time.
What is happening to the program after it is phased out?
The board plans to transition weekday international language programming to Saturdays, with the stated goal of keeping language learning consistent with other programs across Ontario.
How many people are impacted by the staff cuts?
According to TCDSB Trustee Maria Rizzo, the elimination of the program will result in 77 people losing their jobs.
How much value do you place on the availability of international language instruction within the standard school day?
