For over 50 years this incredible program has provided students with valuable opportunities to learn a third language, including Ukrainian, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, Tagalog, Portuguese, and many others. 

Toronto Catholic DSB students and instructors need your help! Email Ford today!

The loss of TCDSB’s international languages program is a devastating and short-sighted decision. For decades, this program has enriched students’ lives, strengthened communities and supported cultural connections. Cutting it not only robs students of these opportunities, but it also throws 77 CUPE 3155 members, who are skilled and passionate educators, out of work. These instructors are not expendable — they are essential to the fabric of TCDSB schools.  

The program has played a crucial role in helping students develop communication skills, cultural awareness and a deeper appreciation for the diversity that defines Canada and the global community. Today, it serves approximately 19,200 students in 44 schools and employs 77 experienced instructors.

The decision to eliminate this program is a direct result of years of underfunding of public education by Doug Ford and Education Minister Paul Calandra, who have cut over $6.4 billion dollars from our publicly funded education system. These cuts are forcing school boards into impossible choices, and the elimination of this program is completely preventable. Students, families, and workers should not be paying the price for shortsighted and detrimental decisions made at Queen’s Park.

CUPE 3155 members, TCDSB parents, communities, and the Ontario School Board Council of Unions are calling on the TCDSB to reconsider this decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with education workers to find alternatives that preserve both jobs and crucial programming.

Email Premier Doug Ford today to reverse these cuts and reinstate the International Languages Program at TCDSB.