EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill amends the Education Act. It requires the Minister of Education to ensure that information on a number of topics is included in the curriculum for junior kindergarten, kindergarten and each grade from grade 1 through grade 12 in an age-appropriate manner. These topics include the history of colonization and its impact on the rights of Indigenous and racialized people, the ongoing racial and social inequities in Ontario and how pupils can contribute to building an inclusive and equitable Ontario.

The Ministry is required to have an administrative division known as the Education Equity Secretariat Initiatives Branch. The school boards are required to provide annual reports on equity-related topics to the director of the Education Equity Secretariat Initiatives Branch. The director of the Education Equity Secretariat Initiatives Branch may make recommendations to the Minister to address any issues or disparities identified in the reports.

Bill 287 2021

An Act to amend the Education Act with respect to equity education and the Education Equity Secretariat Initiatives Branch

Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

1 The Education Act is amended by adding the following section:

Equity education

Curriculum

8.0.1  (1)  The curriculum guidelines issued by the Minister under paragraphs 3 and 3.0.0.1 of subsection 8 (1) shall ensure that information on the following topics is included in the curriculum for junior kindergarten, kindergarten and each grade from grade 1 through grade 12 in an age-appropriate manner:

   1.  The history of colonization and its impact on the rights of Indigenous and racialized people.

   2.  The ongoing racial and social inequities in Ontario, including, in particular, disparities in Ontarians’ experiences with Ontario’s health care, justice and education systems.

   3.  How pupils can contribute to building an inclusive and equitable Ontario.

Consultation

(2)  In developing the curriculum guidelines described in subsection (1), the Minister shall consult with,

  (a)  non-governmental persons and organizations who have specialized knowledge in the topics set out in that subsection; and

  (b)  groups representing Ontarians who are Black, Indigenous or persons of colour.

Training and support

(3)  The Minister shall provide training and support for teachers and other staff of the board respecting the topics set out in subsection (1).

2 The Act is amended by adding the following Part:

Part I.1
Education Equity Secretariat Initiatives Branch

Education Equity Secretariat Initiatives Branch

17.2  There shall be an administrative division of the Ministry known as the Education Equity Secretariat Initiatives Branch.

Annual report to be provided to Education Equity Secretariat Initiatives Branch

17.3  On or before December 31 in each year, every board shall provide the director of the Education Equity Secretariat Initiatives Branch with a report that contains the following:

   1.  Information on systemic barriers in the board’s area of jurisdiction that affect racialized pupils and staff.

   2.  Information on equity needs and issues that affect the board’s pupils and staff.

   3.  Information on human rights needs and issues that affect the board’s pupils and staff.

   4.  Measures the board deems appropriate in order to enhance diversity and improve its policies, procedures, programs and practices for racialized pupils and staff based on systemic barriers identified by the board.

   5.  Recommendations and feedback to improve the effectiveness of equity, accessibility, inclusion and anti-oppression measures that affect the board’s pupils and staff.

Recommendations

17.4  The director of the Education Equity Secretariat Initiatives Branch may make recommendations to the Minister to address any issues or disparities identified in the reports collected under section 17.3.

Commencement

3 This Act comes into force three months after the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

4 The short title of this Act is the Equity Education for Young Ontarians Act, 2021.