Dan MacLean

Former TDSB Trustee. Views expressed here are mine alone. Enthusiastic about sports, politics and public service.

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

15 months ago, @fordnation called an election 17 months early. He needed a mandate to deal with Trump! How’s that going?

Without the early call, Ontario would be headed to the polls in 6 weeks and none of his secret agenda would in play.

No Bill 33

No retroactive FOI changes

No Bill 101

No Billy Bishop Airport appropriation

No jet purchases

No new plans to fill in part of the Toronto waterfront to build a new convention centre

No ‘Protect Ontario’ ads that the Auditor General determines are partisan in nature and not public service announcements

These are major developments in which the Ontario electorate was not consulted. The Premier acts unilaterally and expects a parade. Premier Ford had an election campaign to share his plans, debate the pros/cons and give voters an opportunity to decide.

#onpoli #onted

[Calgary Herald @calgaryherald]

Doug Ford officially calls early Ontario election, saying he needs new mandate to deal with Trump
https://t.co/ErUNvjlWL2

[Jill Promoli @jillpromoli]

Once again asking why school trustees - who have *NO POWER OVER SCHOOL BOARD BUDGETS* - continue to be locked out of our jobs at 40% of Ontario schools over their government-appointed supervisor's inability to balance budgets.

While *THIS* is happening.
#onted #onpoli

[The Royal Canadian Legion @RoyalCdnLegion]

Today, we Remember those who served and sacrificed for Canada. We wear our Poppies in their honour. We pause in gratitude. We promise never to forget. And through your generosity, we can continue to support Veterans and their families who need our help. Remember their sacrifice. Honour their service. Make a difference. There's still time to support the Poppy Fund. Donate: https://t.co/MRHSII3DI9 Lest We Forget.

[Kim MacDonald 🌻 @KMacTWN]

We remember.

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

I was very disappointed that @tdsb Supervisor Gupta, @TDSBceo or any staff member couldn’t find the time or show the respect of behalf of TDSB students/staff to lay a wreath at the Etobicoke Cenotaph today, during the Remembrance Day ceremony.

1 Civic Centre, one of the TDSB’s administrative buildings, is located literally 500m from the Etobicoke Cenotaph. Bloordale Middle School students paid tribute by respectfully reciting “In Flanders Fields”.

The act of remembrance is not just a thought but sometimes an action of participation.

Lest we forget.

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

From June/2025, @PaulCalandra has created a crisis through misinformation and underfunding.

His attacked on education led to Bills 33 and 101. Changes include moving budget responsibilities from elected trustees to Board CEOs.

Ontario just held municipal elections, including for school board trustees. Eight school boards remain under provincial government supervision with newly elected trustees unable to preform their responsibilities.

Last week, @PaulCalandra and @fordnation doubled down, publicly stating that supervision will continue until the 8 school boards are removed from deficit positions and returned to long term financial viability.

For 16 months, @fordnation and his patronage appointed supervisors have had total control of all financial responsibilities in supervised boards, and deficits persist.

Finally the media is starting to report on the absurdity and ridiculousness of the government’s position. Bill 101 removed trustees from any meaningful financial matter. There is absolutely zero connection between returning elected trustees and any school board’s financial viability.

Elected trustees can still make a constructive contribution to enhancing student achievement and improved educational experiences.

A return to greater accountability and transparency for these publicly funded school boards is long overdue! End supervision now and let the newly elected trustees serve/support these communities!

#onpoli #onted

[Elementary Teachers of Toronto @ElemTeachersTO]

Furious, fed up, and demanding change. Doug Ford and Paul Calandra have been a disaster for our classrooms and our communities. Parents, teachers, and education workers are rallying to demand proper funding for public education.

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

Great to support Liberal candidate @JamesLi_SN as he launched his campaign to serve Scarborough North. A great crowd gathered to back James in his bid to become a MP and join Prime Minister Carney’s team to make Canada Strong!

[Matias de Dovitiis 🍊 @MatiasdeD]

Listen to parents and students, stop the cuts and fund our schools!

https://t.co/P1bZKGxsof

[James Li @JamesLi_SN]

Over the past few days, my incredible team and I have been walking the streets right here in Scarborough North, connecting with neighbours and listening to what matters most to families. 🏡

The message is loud and clear: our community is looking for practical solutions, a stronger local economy, and steady leadership we can count on. That’s why we need to keep Scarborough North red under Mark Carney’s leadership, to continue delivering a safer, brighter, and more secure future for everyone who calls this community home. 🇨🇦

We’re only getting started, see you at the doors! 👟✨

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

@Devin_Heroux Congratulations Devin! 👏👏👏

[CBC Sports @cbcsports]

BUCKLE UP 👏

Congratulations to our very own @Devin_Heroux for winning the 2026 Randy Starkman Award for Leadership in Sports Journalism 🙌

[Toronto Life @torontolife]

The majority of Ontarians disapprove of how the Ford government has handled public education, according to a new poll
https://t.co/skW6JRCI1z

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

“The cheese has slipped off the cracker”, does @fordnation own a mirror?

President Trump & Premier Ford operate from the same playbook with total disregard for their democracies. American voters indicated (AP and BBC) the second most important issue was “the state of democracy”.

[Scott Robertson @sarobertson_]

Doug Ford: "He says, just pretend my name's on the ballot. Well, the American people listened to that, and they showed what they thought about President Trump. And then after the election, he starts insulting his own candidates that he endorsed. The cheese has slipped off the cracker with this guy."

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

@trixiedoyle The government and its supervisors have had total control of school board finances for 16+ months. Bill 101 gives budget control to the CEOs. It is utterly ridiculous & offensive that newly elected trustees can’t perform their responsibilities due to an issue they’ve no input in!

[Tina Yazdani @TinaYazdani]

Education Minister Paul Calandra says trustees won’t regain control of their school boards until budgets are balanced & stable.

A responsibility that now rests with his own supervisors.

“So it’s up to you,” I asked. “100%,” he replied.

But he hasn't provided a deadline.

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

AP and the BBC are reporting that the second most important issue for Americans, at 32%, is “the state of democracy”.

I hope Ontario voters begin sharing this perspective. @fordnation called an early election (16 months) but didn’t share his secret agenda that repeatedly attacks Ontario’s democracy!

Dramatic restrictions to Freedom of Information laws, including retroactive changes to avoid Ontario court rulings.

Changing the municipal regional chair roles in 8 Ontario jurisdictions, from elected chairs to @fordnation appointees.

Unprecedented attacks on elected trustees with Bill 101. Placing 8 school boards under provincial supervision. Denying the newly elected trustees in these jurisdictions the ability to assume their roles and perform their responsibilities.

Over ruling the laws enacted by municipal governments, issues like bike lanes and radar speed enforcement.

Fast tracking multiple Bills while limiting debate. Having the Ontario Legislature sit for a near record low number of days of 53 days in 2026. This includes a 21 week break from June - October.

Repeating using taxpayer money to pay for ‘Protect Ontario’ ads promoting the government. Ads the Ontario Auditor General considers partisan.

It’s encouraging to watch Americans to repudiate Trump’s governing philosophy. Elected officials governing like tyrants should pay strict attention.

#onpoli

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

@jillpromoli Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely!

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

There have been elections and there will be mandatory trustee training. There are also stronger Integrity Commissioner measures in place to address inappropriate trustee conduct. The benefits of transparency, accountability and parent/family support are very real. In my opinion, the newly elected board of trustees should be provided the opportunity to learn, contribute and serve their communities.

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

What exactly is @PaulCalandra and @fordnation so frightened about? This government’s attack on democracy has redirected 💰💰 decisions to staff, reduced the trustee role and given CEO’s the ability to “refuse to confirm” trustee decisions.

Return the business of supervised school boards from behind closed doors to the previous levels of transparency & accountability. Parents/families will occasionally require support and guidance, let these newly elected trustees serve their communities and contribute to creating the best educational experiences and outcomes for students!

#onpoli #onted

[TheTrillium.ca @Thetrilliumca]

Leaked letter lays out sweeping restrictions on new trustees at school boards under Ford government supervision https://t.co/Y3R2aQM7gm

[Dan MacLean @MacLeanWard2]

@krushowy @TorontoStar I don’t ever remember say this before but @PaulCalandra is correct. This behaviour is unacceptable and destroys in-house culture while eroding public confidence.

[Rob Cerjanec @RobCerjanec]

Minister Calandra wants to swear in school board trustees so he can control them. The province needs to act in good faith. This could have been a reset but not a good start by the Minister.

Apply the Code of Conduct but let trustees do their job. Spending decisions are with staff anyways and the Ministry already controls so much.