Ontario’s NDP Children and Youth Critic Andrea Horwath says the McGuinty Liberals still have 33 days to ensure that all Ontario children have proper supplies when they return to school.

“The back-to-school countdown clock is ticking on the McGuinty government,” Horwath said.

“All Ontario children should return to school with the supplies they need to have a productive and positive learning experience. New Democrats want the Liberals to restore the special allowance they cut for children’s school supplies and winter clothing.”

Changes to the government’s assistance plan has blended federal and provincial funding that results in families receiving up to $600 a year less than they would receive if the program was fully rolled out now rather than three years from now.

Horwath said retailers have begun their back-to-school promotions and now’s the time when families start thinking about getting ready.

“How sad is it that is calling on the McGuinty government is willing to create two tiers of students in our schools. Low-income children are being shortchanged -- all because of their family income. That shouldn’t be happening, especially under a government that claims to be taking action on poverty.”

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is vigorously campaigning to have the McGuinty government restore the cutbacks.