Canadian rights eroded as appointees chosen by a partisan government replace local voice in Nova Scotia's education system

CALGARY, Jan. 29, 2018 /CNW/ - In response to a review conducted by a consultant, the Nova Scotia government has announced they will be abolishing locally elected school board trustees in favour of government appointees. According to the leadership at the Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA), many of whom are gathered in Calgary, AB, this week, this is a threat to democracy and to the right of representation. It completely removes the local voice in education.

The democratic right for all Canadians to manage and control the education of their children is fundamental and must be respected by government in every jurisdiction across the country. "Government and leadership should be building the education system; not breaking it down," said Floyd Martens, President of the CSBA, which represents school board associations and their almost four million students across Canada. He added that "It's imperative that government works with local representation to strengthen the education system and contribute to the goal of improving outcomes and achievements for all children."

Jennifer Maccarone, President of the Quebec English School Boards Association states that, "Minority groups have the right to make decisions regarding their children's education firmly established in the Canadian Constitution. Conversely, provincial governments are systematically attempting to eliminate that same right from the majorities. The right to democracy belongs to everyone."

School Boards are non-partisan and are elected to represent their community's voice in the future of our society. "Publicly funded education is the most important social endeavour we have and should be above partisanship and four-year election cycles," stated Darren McKee, Executive Director, Saskatchewan School Boards Association.

Recent developments in Nova Scotia are disturbing and may be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the erosion of basic democratic rights.

SOURCE Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA)

For further information: please contact Floyd Martens, President, CSBA ([email protected]), or Valerie McLeod, Executive Director, CSBA ([email protected]).