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Ontario’s Math Struggles Spark Provincial Review of Student Testing

Ontario’s latest standardized test results reveal that math achievement remains a serious concern across the province , with many students failing to meet expected benchmarks. The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released its 2024–2025 assessment data this week, showing that only 51% of Grade 6 students and 58% of Grade 9 students met the provincial math standard , while Grade 3 students fared slightly better at 64%. Despite modest improvements compared to previous years, the results underscore a persistent gap in student performance. Education Minister Paul Calandra acknowledged that progress has been too slow, announcing the creation of a two-member advisory body to review Ontario’s approach to standardized testing and curriculum delivery . The review will examine whether current teaching strategies, resources, and assessment methods are effectively supporting student learning. The EQAO results also highlighted disparities among student groups and school boards ,...

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U.S. Intelligence Chair Urges Canada to Boost Defense Spending: "You're Already Past Due"

 

The chair of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee has issued a sharp call to Canada, urging the nation to increase its defense spending to meet NATO commitments. Speaking during a high-profile visit to Ottawa, the chair emphasized the importance of Canada's role in collective security, particularly amid rising global threats.

“Canada has been a steadfast ally, but in terms of defense spending, you're already past due,” the U.S. official stated, referencing NATO’s guideline that member states allocate at least 2% of their GDP to defense. Currently, Canada falls significantly short of that target, drawing criticism from some allies.

The plea comes as tensions escalate globally, with NATO facing challenges from Russia’s war in Ukraine and emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. officials have stressed that a stronger Canadian defense budget would enhance both regional stability and the alliance’s collective strength.

In response, Canadian officials acknowledged the concerns but highlighted recent investments in military modernization, including plans to upgrade NORAD and acquire new fighter jets. Critics within Canada argue, however, that the pace of these efforts remains too slow to meet current demands.

As pressure mounts, the debate over Canada’s defense spending is expected to intensify in political and public forums.


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