Doug Ford’s education agenda hinders students, workers success

This week on rabble radio, we continue our ongoing discussion on the state of public education in Ontario. Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard from various education union leaders about the growing pressures facing students and workers alike—pressures made worse by Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s education agenda. 

One major concern raised again and again: Bill 33. Tabled in May and still making its way through the legislature, the so-called Supporting Children and Students Act would give the Minister of Education sweeping new powers to supervise school boards and mandate police presence in schools. 

Today, rabble editor Nick Seebruch sits down with David Mastin, president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) to talk about why smaller class sizes are critical to student success and why having police in classrooms is not the answer. 

About our guest 

David Mastin was elected ETFO president in 2025, after representing ETFO members since 2002. He was elected to the provincial executive in 2013, as vice-president in 2019, and first vice-president in 2021. With public education, equity, and workers’ rights under threat, he knows our greatest strength lies in unity, action, and hope.

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