Collard to Argue for Equity in the Ontario Education Curriculum
QUEEN’S PARK – This afternoon, Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa-Vanier, will introduce a bill that, if passed, would ensure children understand the realities of racial and social inequities in Ontario through the education system. It would also legislate education and action to build a more inclusive province.
“Prejudice and intolerance are learned attitudes, so building a more inclusive and equitable Ontario begins in the classroom,” said Collard. “With an education curriculum that shines a light on the realities of our history and on the inequities that remain, we can fight for a future without racism and discrimination in this province.”
To do so, this Bill amends the Education Act to:
- Incorporate age-appropriate topics on the history of colonization, human rights, and racial inequities into Ontario’s elementary and secondary school curriculum.
- Expand the mandate of the Equity Education Secretariat within the Ministry of Education to publish its findings on systemic inequities within the education system and make policy recommendations to address identified barriers to student achievement.
“Every child has the right to an education free of systemic barriers and discrimination,” added Collard. “It is crucial that we not only improve the curriculum, but that we also hold the system accountable. Comprehensive reporting on barriers and public recommendations for improvements will allow for a transparent and effective path towards eliminating systemic inequities.”
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For more information:
Michelle Kapadia
mkapadia@liberal.ola.org