Tag: education news stories

Education News

Canadian government drops education requirement for Hong Kong immigrants – National

Vancouver resident Calvin Wong says he can finally start picturing a future in Canada after the federal government announced it was dropping educational requirements for Hong Kongers seeking permanent residency in the wake of the Chinese city’s crackdown on dissent. Wong, 28, had graduated from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology with a computer science degree in 2017 before moving to Canada on a work permit in 2021, looking for a life where he could enjoy “political freedom.” But immigration pathways for Hong Kong residents who have allowed thousands to settle permanently in Canada are excluded from Wong…
Education News

As gender protests move closer to students, is it time for ‘bubble zones’ outside of schools?

As gender-related policies in schools draw debate, some are calling for “safe zones” to be established around schools to allow students to remain focused on education. Safe zones — also known as bubble zones — effectively create a perimeter around institutions by either limiting or prohibiting certain activities, like protests, in a defined area. It came after hundreds of protesters and counter-protesters swarmed the streets outside of three schools in Ottawa last month, rallying on opposite sides over how gender identity is taught. At least one school went under a lockdown for the day. In response, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board…
Education News

Sask. Ministry of Education criticized for inadequate response to complaints

A recent report from Saskatchewan’s ombudsman says the provincial Ministry of Education is unprepared to investigate complaints about registered independent schools. It says the ministry has no process in place to record, investigate and report complaints about the independent schools it’s responsible for. “Given its regulatory role, the ministry should anticipate receiving complaints related to independent schools,” the report said. “Consequently, it is crucial for the ministry to have a well-established process in place to handle these complaints in a comprehensive, timely, impartial, and fair manner.” In a statement to CTV News, the Ministry of Education said it “welcomes the…
Education News

Sask. education minister calls for review into ministry of sexual education materials

Education Minister Dustin Duncan has ordered his ministry to review documents pertaining to the youth curriculum, and plans to direct school boards to suspend any upcoming presentations with Planned Parenthood Regina. He announced the directives Thursday afternoon after being made aware that a Grade 9 student picked up graphic sex ed material left behind by Planned Parenthood after members of the organization presented it to their health class. “The material in question — as Minister of Education, frankly as a parent — is completely inappropriate to be in a classroom,” Duncan told reporters Thursday. “We want to make sure that…
Education News

Letter: School boards are inefficient educational models of the past

School boards: A local board authority is responsible for the provision and maintenance of schools Today’s School Boards: A unit of local government that determines the policy, budget, leadership and administration within certain districts, public and Catholic schools. The evolution of our school boards shows distinct and magnified changes. incorporating political-Social and Religious aspects from our communities into school policy and administration. Ethnic and religious populations have changed reflecting a more conservative attitude toward how school boards should respond to gender-based issues, financial responsibilities, religious learning, language preferences vs traditional French-English language policies, and much more. Many school boards cannot…
Education News

Mother says the education minister asked her to help rewrite the LGBTQ policy she supports

A Saint John mother is speaking out after she says the minister of education asked her to help rewrite a section of an LGBTQ-protection policy she fully supports. On Tuesday, Nicole Paquet spoke to the Progressive Conservative caucus about how that policy, if it had been implemented correctly, would have prevented harm to her son who was outed by a teacher, resulting in the family needing to move to a new community so her son could change schools. Her presentation was related to the review of Policy 713. One section said if a child under 16 asks to go by…
Education News

New Brunswick parents speak against LGBTQ2 school policy review

Shawn Rouse worries about all three of his children, but a recent letter that shows the education department is reviewing a sexual orientation and gender-diversity policy, has him even more worried about one of them. Levi, who is in high school, is transgender and has been bullied by his fellow students. “Sometimes it’s mild and sometimes it’s more overt, it’s very overt and aggressive,” he said in an interview. “Just this past weekend for example someone reached out to Levi and told them they should kill themselves.” For him, Policy 713 — which ensures schools create inclusive, gender-affirming and safe…
Education News

New mental health curriculum in Ontario

The Ontario government is introducing a new mandatory mental health-focused curriculum for students. New learning materials will be available in Grade 7 and 8 classrooms, along with a mental health literacy addition to the Grade 10 careers’ curriculum, the government announced Monday. The elementary school modules will align with the health and physical education curriculum, offering tools on how to manage stress, recognize mental health concerns and stigmas, and learn how to get help, Education Minister Stephen Lecce said. “The mission is to create a personal toolbox of skills that a young person can utilize in their life, in their…