Although most school boards in Ontario plan to suspend in-person learning today due to a planned strike by 55,000 education workers in the province, students at Conseil Scolaire Viamonde are asked to attend class on Friday. In an email sent late Thursday afternoon, Viamonde's Director of Education, Michel Laframboise, advised parents and guardians that schools will open tomorrow as usual. The memo, written in French, also indicated that even with the expected absence of guardians and other support staff, the French Public School Board in central and southwestern Ontario has determined it is in a position to welcome students to class.

Likewise, the board went on to say that it will make a decision over the weekend regarding what will happen next week as the situation evolves between education workers and the province. Viamonde said it will update the school community by email. Meanwhile, CP24.com continues to contact the board for further comment but has not yet received a response.

This decision comes as the Ontario Ministry of Education (MOE) has urged school boards to remain open despite the work stoppage. In a memo obtained by CTV News, the Ministry informed Directors of Education and Secretaries/Treasurers in school authorities that its "primary priority" is to "ensure students continue their learning uninterrupted throughout the entire school year," adding: "Given the recent announcements by CUPE of its intention to fully withdraw services in schools on Friday, November 4, 2022, the ministry is requesting all school boards to implement emergency plans, where every possible effort is made to keep schools open for as many children as possible." The ministry said boards should "support students in quickly transitioning to remote learning" if a "healthy and safe operation" of schools for students cannot be maintained due to CUPE employees withdrawing services. Additionally, the memo stated: "Unless other circumstances require closure, schools should also remain open to staff, who are expected to attend their workplaces as usual, particularly to support synchronous online learning."

In the same regard, the Ford government is currently working on legislation that will make a strike by CUPE education workers illegal. The "Keeping Students in School" bill, which aims to impose a four-year contract on education workers, is expected to pass this evening.