Thread by @normsworld

.@AndreaHorwath up now at the Ontario Legislature debating her motion to cap class sizes at 15, wonders why the government didn't ready a back to school plan sooner. The plan that came out ignored advice from Sick Kids to keep class sizes small. #topoli #onpoli #onted

As a result we have class sizes of 28, 30, 32, and 35. (Norm's note: I have heard of classes of at least 28 in my ward). These sizes put extended family at risk. We've seen photos of desks less than 1 ft apart, with 30 little ones crammed in a classroom #topoli #onpoli #Onted

When desks are touching, how can teachers ensured items aren't being shared by kids. Physical distancing is impossible in these situations. Kids are also being crammed onto school buses. How can drivers keep these many kids safe and apart? #topoli #Onpoli #Onted

Many bus drivers are over 60, and the current plan to pack students on the bus puts their health at risk. Families and staff are feeling the stress and anxiety of unsafe class sizes. Parents are in an untenable space; if kids are sick, parents are out of options. #topoli #onted

This government scrapped the 2 paid sick days the previous government instated. How can parents stay home with no paid sick days? The bottom line is that experts say smaller cohorts of 10-15 students are significantly safer. This should've been the focus. #topoli #Onpoli #onted

.@AndreaHorwath now asks the government to support her motion calling for class size caps of 15. Let's get it done now before it's too late. Let's stop the second wave. #topoli #onpoli #onted

.@JohnFraserOS rises in support of the motion of class size caps of 15. All the experts are asking the government to do the right thing to make class sizes smaller and safer. #onpoli #onted

I'm not getting the impression the PCs will support this motion.

.@maritstiles up now, thanks Ontarians for fighting for a #SafeSeptember. We want students back at school, but safely. She urges the members opposite to listen to their constituents and support the motion to cap classes at 15. Refers to baffling statements govt is making. #onpoli

There are no planned reductions across the system in the Halton board, @maritstiles notes. A class of 30 can't distance safely. If a class of 30 has a case of covid, the effect on infecting society is exponentially larger. #onpoli #onted #topoli

.@MikeSchreiner up now, says he'll support the motion. Asks the PC MPPs to support as well. Notes that back in June, the Education Minister said "classes will be with no more than 15 students per class". Notes that many classes are more than double what Sick Kids recommended.

.@MikeSchreiner notes according to the FAO, the govt is sitting on $6 billion + in safe return money. Let's put it to good use protecting our children. #topoli #Onpoli #Onted

PC MPP saying things that aren't true, like class sizes are bing made smaller across Ontario. They aren't. We don't have the funding for that.

.@CFifeKW notes that this debate takes place today when in Waterloo the first covid19 case was discovered in school. The whole class and the cohort on the bus now has to stay home. @CambridgeJayne urges government to adhere to class size caps of 15 and provide funding to do that.

.@MitzieHunter supporting motion. Can't believe we're here imploring the government to protect our children. We can't be indoors with more than 10 people, but schools are packed and Physical Distancing isn't possible. Classes are collapsing due to lack of funding. #onted #onpoli

Yup, doesn't sound like the PC Party will support smaller, safer class sizes. #topoli #onpoli #onted

.@AndreaHorwath up, thanks the Liberals and Green MPPs who state they will support the motion to cap class sizes at 15. A parent wrote in and notes the disconnect between the governments statements and what parents are experiencing. K class of 30 has put her life in chaos #onted

"We are playing pandemic roulette with children" the parent ends up with. Horwath is shocked at the lack of transparency throughout covid19. Who is at the command table and who is looking out for our children? #onpoli #onted #topoli

Debate is over, vote is at 3:45PM.

Turns out the vote is at 5:07pm.

Motion was defeated. NDP, Liberals and Green Party in favour, PC party against. #topoli #onpoli #onted

Here are the MPPs who voted against a max Class Size of 15. #onpoli #Onted #topoli

And the MPPs who voted in favour of max class sizes of 15. Thank you for your support! #topoli #onpoli #onted

I wrote this letter to all Ontario MPPs imploring them to support this motion, and encouraged other trustees to do so. #topoli #onpoli #onted