News Release


Making Education Greener

McGuinty Government Promotes Environmental Education In Schools

February 26, 2009

Ontario is making the environment a part of every subject in every grade.

To signal its commitment to environmental education, starting in Fall 2009, schools will begin implementing a new policy framework, created as part of the advice of the Curriculum Council and recommendations made by a working group on environmental education chaired by Dr. Roberta Bondar.

The new framework complements other initiatives in supporting the environment, including:

  • Embedding environmental education in all curriculum
  • Offering Specialist High Skills Majors related to the environment at over 25 schools
  • Offering new courses in environmental science
  • Working with Ontario EcoSchools to help teachers plan environmentally-focused classroom programs and schools reduce their environmental impact.

By teaching students about the importance of environmental stewardship from an early age, we are positioning them for success in the green economy of the future.

Quotes

"Our goal is to have all students become environmentally responsible citizens by the time they graduate high school. We know that children are already leaders in caring for the earth and I'm proud that our classrooms are supporting environmental literacy across Ontario." – Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education

"By engaging students in our schools at every grade level, Ontario will develop more environmental leaders in the future. We need all our young people aware, involved and taking action to protect our environment and help tackle the challenge of climate change." – John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment

Quick Facts

  • In 2007-08, 540 schools and education sites in 24 school boards participated in the EcoSchools certification program.
  • Last year, more than 925 schools and 29 school boards registered for Earth Hour.

Learn More

Register your school for Earth Hour 2009.

Find out what schools are offering Specialist High Skills Majors related to the environment.

Read more about Acting Today, Shaping Tomorrow: a policy framework for environmental education in Ontario schools.