Ontario introduces bill to protect students
Posted September 18, 2013 3:44 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Ontario is introducing legislation to protect students from problematic teachers.
Education Minister Liz Sandals said Wednesday that the Protecting Students Act, if passed, would improve the College of Teachers’ investigation and disciplinary processes, reduce the potential of conflict of interest and help protect students.
“This is an important step our government is taking to make Ontario families continue to have the confidence that their children are safe and protected in school,” Sandals said Wednesday.
If passed, it would ensure a teacher’s certificate is automatically revoked if he or she has been found guilty of sexual abuse or acts relating to child pornography. It would require school boards to inform the college when they have restricted a teacher’s duties or dismissed him or her for misconduct.
The proposed law would also allow the college to share information with a school board if the teacher in question poses an immediate risk to students.
In June 2012, former Justice Patrick LeSage released a report that contained 49 recommendations to modernize the college’s investigation and discipline practices, many of which have been adopted.
The act, if passed, would deliver on the remaining recommendations, Sandals said.