Ontario's government is expected to pass legislation today imposing a contract on 55,000 education workers before the planned strike. The Canadian Union of Public Employees also said workers will leave their jobs on Friday and beyond despite legislation that would make the strike illegal. Education employees include early childhood educators, educational assistants, and custodians.

Also, the Toronto District School Board says it will keep schools closed throughout the strike because it cannot guarantee that schools will remain safe for students, and many other school boards across the province plan to close schools or move to remote learning on Friday. CUPE also said it submitted a counteroffer late Tuesday, but Education Minister Stephen Lecce said Wednesday that the government will not negotiate unless the union cancels its work action. The province's legislation includes a four-year contract and bans strikes, imposing hefty fines if employees do not comply.