900 more Ont. schools to get full-day learning in 2012

The Ontario government has released a list of around 900 schools across the province that will offer full-day kindergarten starting in the fall of 2012.

Premier Dalton McGuinty announced the new additions Wednesday morning at St. Mary's Catholic School in downtown Toronto.

When the changes take effect in September 2012, around half of all 4- and 5-year-olds in the province will benefit from full-day kindergarten, McGuinty said.

The Liberal government said it hopes to have full-day learning in all schools by 2014.

The opposition Progressive Conservatives have questioned the value of the program in light of Ontario's $18.7 billion deficit.

They say they don't believe McGuinty will reach his goal.

Conservative critic Jim Wilson says many communities don't have the facilities for the program, and the government is facing about $1 billion in renovation costs.

So far, around 600 schools across the province already have full-day kindergarten. Starting in September, full-day kindergarten will be offered at an additional 200 schools.

The kindergarten program will cost Ontarians an estimated $1.5 billion a year.