Ottawa parents plan protest over decision to keep schools closed
There is growing frustration among parents and students in Ottawa following news that schools will remain closed for in-person learning until the end of the school year.
Now, a group of parents plan a walk to protest the decision on Friday.
"It was pretty heart-wrenching. I thought this is not right, all the messaging here is schools should be open," said Veronica Jackson, about Wednesday's announcement from the Ontario government.
"It was really sad, we miss our teachers and our friends," added her six-year-old daughter Liv.
Jackson is organizing a walk to voice frustration over the decision. She’ll be protesting with her family.
"I want to show my kids they have a voice and it seems their voice has gone without being listened to," she said.
Support for the initiative has grown quickly in the Westboro community, where it will take place. Other families are ready to join the protest.
"We’re definitely going to be making signs tonight, and we’ll be carrying them proudly around the school tomorrow. We’ll have our masks on, it’s going to be safe, but I think it’s so important for the kids to be able to express their feelings,” said Stacey Metulynsky, who will be walking with her family.
Matulynsky and her kids too are unhappy with the province’s decision.
"Even just a few days, a few weeks, anything with heir friends and teachers in the classroom would do a world of good," said Matulynski.
"I kind of forget what the school is like, I want to remember everything. I’m kind of sad and I want to see more people cuz I’m stuck inside most of the day," said her son Sam.
The group plans to start walking at 9 a.m. Friday outside Nepean High School and Broadview Public School. The plan is to walk the block around both schools for about an hour.
"The Ford government has not listened to the experts, the paediatric experts, the students, the teachers, the teachers unions, the families, the parents that are struggling," said Alecia O’Brien, who plans to take part in Friday's protest.
O’Brien and her family have felt the impacts, some of her kids dealing with learning difficulties have struggled with virtual learning.
"I can’t see people," said O'Brien's son Evan, adding online school has been "very" hard.
While most years families would be thrilled about an early summer, that isn’t the case this year.
"There’s always hope, there’s always hope," said Jackson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.