Premier Doug Ford joined by Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, and Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance
In a news conference Monday with Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, and Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance; Premier Doug Ford announced new funding opportunities for parents struggling with additional learning and child-care costs due to the pandemic.
“We will always be there to support each and every single person in this province. That’s why I’m proud to announce that starting today, the portal is open for applications for the for the ‘Support for Learners’ program.”
This is the second COVID-19 payment Ontario parents are able to apply for. Support for Learners is a one-time funding program to help provide an easier, more accessible workplace for learning, whether that be online or in person.
Parents are eligible to receive $200 for every child under 12 years old, and $250 for every youth under 21 years old with special education needs.
Premier Ford stated that more security has been added to the funding to ensure the money is going directly into the pockets of working parents. Just in time for the holidays, the extra funding hopes to help with costs of school supplies, technology, and other surprise fees for the upcoming 2021 school year.
Ford illustrated that the funding is to thank parents with their help so far with COVID-19.
“I know it hasn’t been easy, juggling work, balancing a business, while helping your kids attend classes in person or online,” he says, “parents have been the unsung heroes, and have been critical in the fight against COVID-19.”
The provincial government is urging parents to apply for the funding now, as applications are only open until January 15, 2021. Online applications are available at www.ontario.ca/supportforlearners.
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