Legal News

Ontario Education Accountability Act Receives Royal Assent

The Ontario Education Accountability Act received Royal Assent on June 23, 2000. Most of the Act is now in force. It amends the Ontario Education Act to provide for maximum average class sizes for every school district, minimum classroom instructional time, and mandatory provincial standards in curriculum. It also gives the minister of education substantial supervisory powers over school boards. Controversial sections that would have made extra-curricular activities compulsory for teachers have not been proclaimed in force. The government has indicated that it will do so if teacher unions use the withdrawal of participation in such activities as a bargaining chip.