Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop expressed her excitement after being appointed Ontario’s new Minister of Education following the unexpected resignation of Todd Smith. Describing the opportunity as “absolutely thrilling,” Dunlop shared how Premier Doug Ford called her late last week to discuss her new role, telling her to “tighten your seat belt” for what promises to be an exciting journey.
Elected in 2018, Dunlop has served in various positions, most recently as the Minister of Colleges and Universities, a role she believes will help her in her new responsibilities. “There’s a lot to learn, but we’re focused on continuing to create pathways for young people from kindergarten through Grade 12 into post-secondary,” she said. Dunlop is eager to leverage her previous experience to impact the broader education system positively.
With the 2024-25 school year approaching, Dunlop plans to focus on implementing the province’s new back-to-basics kindergarten curriculum, set to launch in September 2025. This curriculum emphasizes literacy and math skills, aligning with feedback from parents and educators.
Since her appointment, Dunlop has been actively engaging with education leaders, including the presidents of the Elementary School Teachers Federation of Ontario and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation. She has also been attending the AMO annual conference in Ottawa, discussing opportunities for new schools and expanded childcare centers with municipal leaders.
Dunlop, the first woman elected to the provincial legislature in Simcoe North, reflected on the significance of her role, particularly for her daughters. “I want my daughters to see more women in politics,” she remarked, underscoring her commitment to being a role model for future generations.
