MPP Oosterhoff Welcomes Launch of Classroom Supplies Fund to Support Elementary School Teachers and Students in Niagara

March 10, 2026

Beamsville – The Ontario government is launching the Classroom Supplies Fund to provide elementary school homeroom teachers with direct access to $750 in funding each school year for classroom supplies. The new fund – which will be launched as part of the province’s 2026 budget – will ensure teachers have the materials they need in their classrooms without paying up front and is part of the government’s ongoing work to ensure the provincial education system is supporting student success and helping them reach their full potential.

“I have heard directly from teachers in Niagara calling for increased funding to support the purchase of school supplies and classroom resources for students,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“In fact, I recently met with the Niagara Elementary Unit of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association who spoke about the need for funding for classroom supplies. Our government is responding by ensuring every homeroom teacher across the province has access to direct support through the newly launched Classroom Supplies Fund. This additional investment is great news for teachers and educators in our region.”

“Our government is making record investments so that our students have the support and supplies they need to succeed and grow in school,” said Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario.

“The new $750 Classroom Supplies Card will give teachers across the province access to the resources they need, without forcing them to cover the costs themselves or wait to be reimbursed. It is just one of the ways we are supporting our students and teachers while ensuring Ontario’s education system is focused on student success.”

Beginning in September 2026, homeroom teachers will have access to $750 each school year through a new provincial website, allowing them to order classroom supplies directly, with materials delivered to their schools. Each teacher will receive a Classroom Supplies Card directing them to the website, with instructions on how to access the site. The website will offer a grade-by-grade selection of commonly used classroom items, including writing supplies, notebooks, calculators, chalk, arts and crafts materials, tissues and paper towels. This will make it easier for elementary teachers to order what they need without paying up front and waiting for reimbursement, ensuring consistent access to supplies in every classroom across the province.

“We know that many teachers have been paying out of pocket for supplies. That is not fair for teachers or students,” said Hon. Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.

“While school boards receive funding for classroom resources, we have not always seen those dollars consistently reach every classroom. That is why we are putting funds directly in the hands of teachers to ensure their classrooms are equipped to support student achievement.”

“As a Trustee with the District School Board of Niagara, I am delighted to welcome the Classroom Supplies Fund and province’s commitment to equipping students with the resources they need to succeed,” said Elizabeth Klassen, Vice-Chair of the District School Board of Niagara.

“Consistent access to classroom materials matters, and this initiative is a positive step in the right direction. The District School Board of Niagara will continue to work with the Ministry of Education as program details are finalized, with our focus remaining firmly on student success and the effective use of resources across our system.”

Input from elementary teachers and school boards will inform the selection of supplies available to support both educators and students. The Classroom Supplies Fund reflects the government’s ongoing work to build a strong, consistent and well-supported public education system with a back-to-basics approach that is focused on improving student outcomes.

More information about how the government continues to make progress on its plan to protect Ontario, by making Ontario one of the most competitive places to invest and do business in the G7 by building a more competitive, more resilient and more self-reliant economy, will be included in the 2026 Budget, to be released on March 26, 2026.