ISSUES

Education

Schools play an important, multi-purpose role in rural communities. They are an integral part of the social and economic fabric. School closures affect the entire community.

To ensure a stable community environment, government policies and funding mechanisms should be implemented to ensure these implications are considered fully when closures are contemplated.

OFA proposes the development of a provincial rural education strategy that would recognize the unique role rural schools play in remote areas. Consumer education should begin when consumers are young. It is essential that agriculture-related issues be incorporated into the educational curriculum, stressing the industry’s importance to the provincial economy and dispelling common misconceptions about the industry.

An adequate level of agricultural training and research can be maintained through the provision of adequate funding for agricultural colleges and universities in Ontario.

OFA Related Material:

•  OFA's submission to the Education Equality Task Force  - September 01, 2002
•  Education Equality Task Force's Final Report  - January 01, 2002
•  Lauzon final report - Education Reform & Rural Community: An Ontario Perspective
•  Lauzon - Should we keep rural schools open
•  Lauzon final report - Negotiating Rural Futures
•  School Briefing Note 2000
•  School Briefing Note 1998