Ford and his Conservatives are facing backlash for appearing at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a private American university, while slashing public education funding, firing teachers and increasing class sizes.

Niagara University in Vaughan began operation earlier this year on January 21st. Tuition at the university costs over $30,000 per year. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on September 15th.

Critics pointed out Ford was only too happy to appear at a private university but won’t appear at any public school.

Here we see Ford Conservative priorities for education. The Premier has never had a photo-op in any of our public elementary or secondary schools….yet here he is cutting a ribbon to open a private American University in the Minister of Education’s riding. #Barrie #onpoli #NDP https://t.co/x66ORLnkxW

— Pekka Reinio NDP (@PekkaReinioNDP) September 16, 2019

Doug Ford seems happy to promote a private Catholic American university while he cuts $ millions from public education in Ontario. Tuition at Niagara University is over $30k/year https://t.co/e1Z1rfgTdT

— Barry Tango (@urbanmode) September 16, 2019

The announcement comes at an awkward time for Ford who has slashed education funding, resulting in massive teacher layoffs and a reduction in available classes. Stories from across Ontario continue to trickle in as teachers discover they no longer have jobs.

Many students say they are being forced to delay graduation because they cannot take the required course load.

Omar Salman is a Gr. 12 student in #peelschools @CawthraParkSS who can't get into calc, physics – which he needs to apply for engineering – because of teacher cutbacks. On waitlist and told online, night school only options. #onted https://t.co/DDJQ08qqan #onpoli #osstf @osstf

— Kristin Rushowy (@krushowy) September 16, 2019

Ford’s problems could get even worse. CUPE education workers voted 93% in favour of a strike mandate and could begin action as early as the end of the month.

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