| letter_to_the_editor_toronto_star_august_31_2025.docx_mc_do.docx_final.pdf |
Letter Sent to the Editor Toronto Star – The Canadian Press Re: Ontario’s Grade 10 financial literacy requirement needs a rethink, critics say, By Natasha Baldin - The Canadian Press 8/29/2025
August 31, 2025
The Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) applauds the 2024 Ministry of Education decision to include a financial literacy graduation requirement. The Ontario curriculum needs life skills through additional Home Economics related education.
While it may be disappointing that the financial literacy requirement has been delayed as reported in the Toronto Star, OHEA is optimistic that a mandatory curriculum will be established to embrace all facets of Home Economics where financial literacy is already embedded as a critical component. These facets include courses already in place in food and nutrition, human development, housing and household maintenance, textiles, family dynamics, healthy relationships, consumerism, and environmental sustainability.
Perhaps parents and even educators are not aware that Ontario currently offers a popular, comprehensive Family Studies (Home Economics) curriculum at the secondary level? Making a current elective mandatory could save moving financial literacy to the already over-loaded Math or Business departments.
As a Professional Association comprised of home economists, registered dietitians, teachers and scholars, OHEA reiterates its earlier offer to the Ministry to be included in the consultations to provide professional support and content expertise in building and implementing a ‘modernized’ Home Economics curriculum’. Input on the suitability of standardized testing is an important part of the discussion as Gail Henderson, director of the business law program at Queen’s University, pointed out.
The history of Home Economics in Canada shows a dynamic ability to respond to the changing needs of individuals in their homes and families. OHEA members, through their education and experience, look forward to assisting the Ministry of Education with the new Ontario Diploma requirements.
Ontario Home Economics Association – OHEA
[email protected] www.ohea.on.ca
August 31, 2025
The Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) applauds the 2024 Ministry of Education decision to include a financial literacy graduation requirement. The Ontario curriculum needs life skills through additional Home Economics related education.
While it may be disappointing that the financial literacy requirement has been delayed as reported in the Toronto Star, OHEA is optimistic that a mandatory curriculum will be established to embrace all facets of Home Economics where financial literacy is already embedded as a critical component. These facets include courses already in place in food and nutrition, human development, housing and household maintenance, textiles, family dynamics, healthy relationships, consumerism, and environmental sustainability.
Perhaps parents and even educators are not aware that Ontario currently offers a popular, comprehensive Family Studies (Home Economics) curriculum at the secondary level? Making a current elective mandatory could save moving financial literacy to the already over-loaded Math or Business departments.
As a Professional Association comprised of home economists, registered dietitians, teachers and scholars, OHEA reiterates its earlier offer to the Ministry to be included in the consultations to provide professional support and content expertise in building and implementing a ‘modernized’ Home Economics curriculum’. Input on the suitability of standardized testing is an important part of the discussion as Gail Henderson, director of the business law program at Queen’s University, pointed out.
The history of Home Economics in Canada shows a dynamic ability to respond to the changing needs of individuals in their homes and families. OHEA members, through their education and experience, look forward to assisting the Ministry of Education with the new Ontario Diploma requirements.
Ontario Home Economics Association – OHEA
[email protected] www.ohea.on.ca