More than 50K sign online petition calling for Ontario to prioritize vaccination for teachers and support staff

An online petition calling on the provincial government to prioritize vaccination for teachers and school support staff has surpassed its initial target of 50,000 signatures on Monday.

The Ontario government needs to prioritize teachers as essential workers and get them vaccinated immediately so we can keep our students in school and keep our teachers, support staff and their families safe and healthy," the petition reads.

The petition organizer Vince Volpe writes, This is the only way we can continue to keep schools open safely. The mental health of our students is paramount and another school closure will be devastating."

Many of the comments appear to be from teachers, echoing that sentiment.

I am a specialist teacher and see 200 children a week. This is absolutely unbelievable that the Ontario government is not prioritizing teachers," one comment reads.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario issued a statement this afternoon calling on the province to take immediate action to ensure the safety of students and educators by prioritizing vaccination for education workers, as well as enhancing safety measures in the classroom. ETFO wants to see schools in high-risk areas moved from in-person to virtual learning.

The ETFO will meet Tuesday to discuss next steps if the Ford government fails to prioritize education workers and other essential workers."

Ann Marie Elpa is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Reach her via email: aelpa@thestar.ca