A Message from Deborah Williams, Your Elected School Board Trustee

I hope everyone is well. As the weather gets colder and winter gets closer, let’s use this time to recharge, stay connected, and keep showing up for each other, our schools, and our communities.

Bill 33: A Power Grab, Silencing Communities, Dismantling Democracy

In recent media interviews - “not embarrassed,” said Education Minister Paul Calandra when asked about paying appointed school board supervisors $350,000 per year for 3.5 days weekly - from school board budgets. The math isn’t mathing: 22 elected TDSB Trustees (each paid $24,535/year) replaced with 1 government appointed Supervisor (paid $350,000/year). Ontario’s public education system has been chronically underfunded by $6.35 Billion since 2018 - provincial funding has not even kept up with inflation.

Bill 33, titled the “Supporting Children and Students Act”, does the opposite of what its name suggests. It strips local school boards of community representation, allows the Education Minister to appoint a supervisor without investigation, and mandates police in schools regardless of community input. The Ontario Autism Coalition warns that Bill 33 erodes families’ ability to advocate for children with special needs. Trustees across Simcoe County call it “alienating,” and a “slippery slope.” Graduate students fear defunding of essential services and loss of research autonomy. Community groups like Policing-Free Schools have rallied to say: enough is enough - fund our schools - fund our communities not policing in schools.

Ontario’s school communities are diverse. Trustees are elected to represent the diversity of local communities and school districts. Bill 33 threatens to erase that role entirely, replacing it with centralized control and mandates that ignore regional realities.

The provincial government’s use of time allocation to fast-track Bill 33 is a betrayal of public trust. Bill 33 is being forced through without public hearings - a blatant power grab. It silences students, families, educators, and communities. It bypasses cabinet and concentrates power in one minister’s hands. This sets a dangerous precedent. The Education Minister’s refusal to engage in dialogue with education stakeholders and his unapologetic stance is not strength. It’s contempt. Contempt for transparency, contempt for collaboration, and contempt for communities. Call on MPPs to stand up and vote this down.

Every Member of Provincial Parliament faces a defining choice: defend democracy or enable its erosion. Bill 33 isn’t just flawed - it’s a fundamental breach of public trust. To support it is to silence communities and surrender accountability. I encourage everyone to urge government caucus members to raise these concerns with colleagues and vote no to time allocation - so Bill 33 can receive full public hearings.

The question is clear: Will MPPs protect democratic values? The answer must be clear: Reject the time allocation motion. Reject Bill 33. Restore public trust. Remind the government that democracy is not outdated.

CALL TO ACTION

Call and Email Premier Doug Ford at 416-325-1941, [email protected] & Education Minister Paul Calandra at 416-325-2600, [email protected] to DEMAND they:

Reject Time Allocation of Bill 33
Stop Bill 33
Fund education to match inflation
Fully fund statutory benefits (CPP, EI)
Fully fund special education and student supports

Copy your local MPP and school board trustee.

I believe strong public education builds strong communities. Public education is not just about academics - it’s about preparing young people to thrive as engaged empathetic members of a caring and civil society. Let’s support our students and strengthen our education system, together. Fund Our Schools. Democracy Not Bill 33.

With gratitude and optimism,
Deborah Williams
Trustee, TDSB Ward 10 University-Rosedale and Toronto Centre (*June 27, 2025 TDSB under Ministry supervision)
During the TDSB supervision period, Deborah Williams can be reached at [email protected]

SIGN-UP for Deborah Williams Updates & Advocacy

Latest posts

Church Street Pedestrianization Public Survey

The City is doing a survey of the Church Street Pedestrianization Project that my office and the Church-Wellesley Village BIA is operating on Church Street between Wellesley Street East and Alexander Street until August 21. Your feedback will help inform the City's response to future street closures here and across the City. If your a resident who has been to Church Street, take the survey! And if you haven't yet been, come see what you're missing then take the survey! The survey closes September 7, 2026.

Identify ‘N Impact Youth Grants - Apply by September 15!

The City of Toronto’s Identify ‘N Impact community grant helps promote youth engagement and community safety by providing up to $17K for youth-led (15-29) initiatives that help with violence prevention, mental health and well-being, skills development, arts and youth-friendly spaces. Applications are now open until September 15 at 12:00pm.

Biidaasige Park is Bigger, Better and more Beautiful!

Opened last year, Biidaasige Park is expanding with 10 more acres of public waterfront space at 238 Cherry Street on Ookwemin Minising. With new places to walk, cycle, paddle, gather, enjoy public art and take in skyline views, residents and visitors are invited to come celebrate during opening weekend on July 25 and 26. See what’s happening this weekend and beyond, including free guided kayak tours, walking tours and art-making workshops.