(Photo supplied by CHAT News Today)

By David Opinko

$1-billion going to provinces for Safe Return to Class Fund

Jan 29, 2021 | 10:47 AM

OTTAWA, ONT – The federal government will be providing the second installment of funding to help ensure a smooth return of classes across the country.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the $1-billion allotment will ensure that students, teachers, and staff have the support they need to stay safe and healthy throughout a “difficult school year.”

“School is so important for kids’ ability to learn and grow. We must make sure that our children are learning in a safe environment, and that teachers are safe on the job. Our government will continue to ensure that provinces and territories can make decisions based [on] public health advice, not budget limitations, as we work together to keep students, teachers, staff, and families healthy and safe during this unprecedented school year.”

Funding from the Safe Return to Class Fund (SRCF) can be used for supporting adapted learning spaces and remote learning, improving air ventilation, increasing hand sanitization and hygiene, purchasing PPE and cleaning supplies, and providing health and safety training for staff.

The Government of Canada says they will continue to work with their provincial and territorial partners to provide a healthy school environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“The pandemic has been a difficult time for families. Children, in particular, have shown remarkable resilience, whether they are adjusting to learning at home, diligently wearing masks while at school, or not being able to spend as much time with their friends,” says Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. “Now, more than ever, we need to make sure that we are protecting their health and that of their teachers and school staff, so that they can continue to learn in a safe and healthy way.”

Back in August 2020, Trudeau announced $2-billion for the SRCF. The first half was dolled out in September. Today’s announcement encompasses the second half.

Funding for each province and territory is based on the number of children aged four-to-18 with each jurisdiction getting a minimum of $2-million.

Last year, Alberta received $262.84-million. It was not specified if Alberta will get the same amount this time.