Emma Cunningham

Fiercely advocate for your child’s right to learn and succeed.

Oppose condo developments in neighbourhoods where the local schools cannot accommodate a large number of new students.

Ensure wealth distribution between schools so that some children in wealthier neighbourhoods don’t have access to resources that children in less wealthy neighbourhoods cannot fundraise for.

Increase access to Educational Assistants in the classroom so every child has their needs met in a way that supports them in meeting their social and educational goals.

Put forward policies and advocate to increase education around different races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and disabilities, outside of curriculum through things like assemblies, library resources, and extracurriculars.

Increase accountability. The current Board fired the integrity commissioner during an investigation. Maybe that was warranted, and maybe it wasn’t, but the Board never released the reasons for their decision. I will fight to reduce the number of in-camera (private) meetings on issues of public interest and accountability.

Always give straightforward and honest answers, even if that answer is “I don’t know, but I will find out and get back to you.” And then I will get back to you.

Be fully transparent: every public vote will be posted to my website so that my record is available to all Pickering residents.

Be easily accessible: Emails and phone calls will be answered promptly.

Promote opportunities for Indigenous students and other marginalized students.

Increase support for ESL students.

Increase access to special programs, such as STEM, performing or visual arts.

Develop plans to follow through on bullying policies that already exist but aren’t utilized.