The Foundation is excited to announce a research project to address the growing creep of privatization into public education. This work is close to the heart of the Foundation, with both Alexa McDonough and Agnes Macphail having had their start in social democratic politics through their careers as teachers and fighting for public education.
Recent polling for the Canadian Teacher’s Federation done by Abacus Data shows Canadians hold a positive view of public education, with strong support for public education spending and strong agreement that public education improves the lives of Canadians, promotes equality, and is connected to the Canadian identity.
However, driven by political trends from the United States and under the guise of “school choice” and educational pluralism, well-funded right wing think tanks like the Fraser Institute and Cardus are sponsoring research and engaging in advocacy to create the policy space for conservative governments to advance privatization.
There is an urgent need for robust, evidence-based research that counters privatization narratives and intervenes in the public policy debate in favour of keeping public education a public good. Acting now is important for helping to protect public education as a part of the Canadian identity, similar to Medicare, protecting it from predatory right-wing governments and conservative think tanks.
The Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation is seeking extra funding for this project from individual donors. The final report will be peer reviewed by the National Teacher Research Network before it is published. Please consider donating to support this work and helping us to protect public education against the creep of privatization and raise awareness of its importance across the country.
Thank you for making an impact with your contribution towards this vital research, and the work of the Foundation.
