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But education isn’t about just appreciating a subject; anyone can go see a movie or listen to a song and appreciate it. No one takes a science course just to appreciate the formulae, and the same goes for English, drama or other arts. Education gives students the ability to understand, consider and apply concepts.

Photo by Jean Levac / Postmedia News

In an increasingly interconnected world, the critical and human skills taught by arts courses are equally as important as STEM courses. Technological advances and scientific breakthroughs never exist independent of the people whom they affect, and so we all lose when the arts are demoted. The humanities, theatre and social sciences all develop empathy, critical thinking and an awareness that Thompson lacks when she chooses to dis-invest in Ontario’s youth.

The challenge for the government, then, is to create opportunities for students in the fields in which they excel, not to funnel them into whatever sector craves workers, or simply any “pathways that are providing jobs.” The abilities of a talented musician or writer are wasted if they are channelled to skilled trades or agri-food, as Thompson suggests.

Without a doubt, students can find fulfilment in skilled trades, and those choosing that path should feel confident doing so, but treating education as a work-training program won’t accomplish that goal. Ironically, school boards are even warning that the proposed class-size increases could hurt the availability of trades courses. Education must enable students to grow their talents because that allows them to maximize what they can return to society.