Queen's Park, August 7, 2018 - "My question is to the Acting Premier.
This government’s dangerous decision to drag Ontario backwards to 1998 has mobilized thousands of parents, students, educators, violence-against-women experts and health care professionals who are calling to keep the 2015 curriculum in place.
Some 26 school boards, representing more than 60% of Ontario students, have issued formal statements raising concerns about the harm this change will cause. Some school boards and thousands of teachers have said that they will continue to teach the 2015 curriculum because of their professional obligation to protect the health and well-being of students.
What legal consequences will these school boards and teachers face for refusing to follow ministry direction and doing the right thing for students?
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has warned that repealing the 2015 curriculum violates Education Act requirements for school boards to “promote a positive school climate that is inclusive and accepting of all” students, and also violates the charter rights of LGBTQ students and families.
Not only is this government putting the health and safety of Ontario students at risk, but it is also creating legal jeopardy for school boards and teachers. Will this government act now to end the chaos and direct school boards to continue using the 2015 curriculum when students return to school in September?"