Ontario education workers and parents are raising alarms over a province-wide shortage of educational assistants (EAs), which is leaving vulnerable students unsupported and forcing classroom evacuations.Unions warn that the crisis is exacerbated by inadequate staffing, with care being 'rationed' across multiple classrooms.

Pamela Boniferro, president of the Dufferin-Peel Education Resource Workers’ Association, criticized provincial funding models that prioritize physical resources over human support, arguing that EAs are essential for student learning.Despite record education funding of $30.

6 billion, local school boards face recruitment challenges, with over 4,500 additional EAs hired but staffing decisions remaining under their control.The shortage has led to frequent 'fail-to-fills'—uncovered absences—highlighting a recruitment crisis.Unions are pushing for mandatory staffing ratios and permanent job security instead of standard wage hikes.Parents like Cataldo Brugnano describe the system as a constant battle, with children on the autism spectrum facing unstable support.

The lack of EAs has resulted in classroom evacuations, staff burnout, and injuries, underscoring the urgent need for systemic changes to attract and retain workers.