NDP calls for release of plan by Ford’s education consultant

Ford spent $4.8 million for McKinsey to advise on pandemic response

QUEEN’S PARK — The NDP is calling on Doug Ford to release his consultant’s plan for Ontario’s schools as the province hits a grim milestone — more than 5,000 students, teachers and education workers have gotten sick in Ontario’s schools.

“In the last 48 hours alone, more than 450 children and staff became sick with COVID-19 in Ontario’s schools,” said NDP Deputy Leader Sara Singh. “We know now that could be just the tip of the iceberg.

“Ontario’s auditor revealed last week that the Ford government paid a consultant $4.8 million, in part to develop a back to school plan. Ontarians deserve to see that report.”

According to Ontario’s Auditor General, the Ford government hired McKinsey to create a back to school plan, in addition to other pandemic planning. It’s not clear if they were hired to advise on public safety, saving money, or something else.

“Instead of spending those millions of dollars to keep families safe, this government chose to stuff the pockets of consultants,” said Singh. “Was it really a good investment? We’re calling on Doug Ford to release that report so that people can see the advice he is buying, and how it’s being used.”