Ontario shifts most of 1% school‑funding increase to existing programs

The Ontario government under Premier Doug Ford announced a $317.6 million rise in core education funding for the 2026‑27 school year. Ministry data show that about 74 percent of the increase – roughly $234.2 million – comes from reallocating money from the Responsive Education Program (REP) and Further Education Partnerships (FEP), leaving only $93 million of genuinely new funding, well below inflation.

The remaining $186.2 million has not yet been assigned and is under review. Education Minister Stephen Lecce said the shift makes REP and FEP supports permanent, noting, “One of the things we heard from boards is, ‘Just make it part of our core funding, so that we’re not having to worry every single year…’.” NDP education critic Chandra Pasma criticized the brief funding memo, saying the previous year’s 25‑page document was replaced by a three‑page version.

Eight Ontario school boards under provincial supervision have posted their 2026‑27 budgets, showing reduced deficits after spending cuts – for example, the Toronto District School Board now projects a $15 million deficit, down from $74.5 million previously.