One notable part of the plan is a $50-million commitment to hire up to 500 school-focused public health nurses. Beyond helping with COVID-19 concerns, experts say public health nurses hired in Ontario schools can also address issues such as bullying, addiction, anxiety and depression. But it doesn't go far enough, according to Laura Walton, president of Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSBCU), which represents 55,000 education workers including custodians and cleaning staff. Not having enough staff to clean and maintain Ontario public schools was an issue even before COVID-19, according to the Ontario School Board Council of Unions. Laura Walton, president of CUPE's Ontario School Board Council of Unions, predicts boards will offer permanent employment to custodial staff already on casual supply lists.

Source: CBC News August 13, 2020 08:01 UTC