"A controversial new law that will give Ontario's education minister more power over school boards and other facets of the education system has passed in the province's legislature. Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative government passed the Supporting Children and Students Act, also known as Bill 33, on Wednesday and it received royal assent a day later. The legislation grants Education Minister Paul Calandra the power to place school boards under provincial supervision when they "fall off the rails," as he said Wednesday."
"Bill 33 is actually aimed at amending other existing laws related to education, admissions and research at colleges and universities, and accountability and transparency at children's aid societies. But the bill's proposed changes to the Education Act could have significant effects on how school boards are operated and the future of elected trustees. In short, the legislation allows for the minister of education to investigate "matters of public interest" concerning whether school boards, members and directors are carrying out their duties "in an appropriate manner.""
Bill 33 amends existing education, post-secondary and children's aid society laws. It grants the education minister power to investigate matters of public interest regarding school boards' conduct. The minister can determine non-compliance and place boards under provincial supervision, appointing ministry supervisors who replace elected trustees. Five of 72 school boards have been placed under such supervision, including Toronto District School Board and Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Critics, including the NDP, say the law replaces local democracy with secrecy and partisan political control. The changes could significantly affect school board operations and parental input in education decisions.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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