Greens and OSSTF call for mental health supports for students

November 9, 2026

QUEEN'S PARK — Schreiner and Clancy joined OSSTF President Martha Hradowy in calling on the Ford government to invest in mental health support for students.

“As a former school social worker, I’ve become increasingly concerned about lack of mental health support for young people,” said Clancy.

“Students are feeling the negative impacts of social media, screen addiction and the realities of a turbulent world. It’s leading to violence in schools and poor education outcomes for students.

Education workers are feeling abandoned by the Ford government as they face increasing levels of burnout. They’re spread thin trying to help students without the resources they need.

Greens have been sounding the alarm for years. It’s time for this government to take action. That’s why earlier this year I tabled my bill, the Keeping Our Kids Safe Online Act. 

We must protect students from online harm by working with students, parents, experts and education workers to create a plan to hold social media companies accountable, support students’ mental health and create resources for education and mental workers to address technology impacts on kids.”

“Ontario students are telling us they need help and the evidence could not be clearer. Nearly half of Ontario students report moderate-to-serious psychological distress, while almost one in three say they needed professional mental health support but did not seek it. Yet the Ford government’s Fall Economic Statement plans to cut education funding by $600 million. At a time when students are waiting months, and in some cases years, for assessments and supports, Ontario must invest in social workers, psychologists, child and youth workers and educational assistants–not making cuts. Mental health supports are not optional. They are essential to student success,” said Hradowy.

“We all share the responsibility to keep our kids healthy and safe from harm,” said Schreiner.

“Greens stand with education workers calling for urgent needs-based funding to provide students with the mental health support they need–both in schools and in our broader communities.

It’s time for the Ford government to show education workers and students that it has their backs and reverse its cuts to education.”

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