Alberta Introduces Legislation
Recognizing Parents' Right to Choose
Their Children's Education
The bill introduced by Alberta's Minister of Education Adriana La Grange shows the world of differences in the way of considering the role of family parents between this province, led by the United Conservative Party, and Quebec. , where the government - be it the PQ, the PLQ or the CAQ - escapes the program that it imposes on all students except those educated at home,
a program often oriented (see ECR, history, French or sex education).
According to the Calgary Herald, Prime Minister Jason Kenney said the law "enshrines Albertans' belief in ... parental responsibility".
a program often oriented (see ECR, history, French or sex education).
According to the Calgary Herald, Prime Minister Jason Kenney said the law "enshrines Albertans' belief in ... parental responsibility".
Premier Jason Kenney and Alberta Minister of Education Adriana LaGrange at a press conference in Edmonton on Thursday, May 28, 2020, regarding Bill 15, the Education Choice Act.
"Because we believe that parents are better able than politicians or bureaucrats which is in the best interests of their children," added Kenney.
One of the contributions of the bill, included in the preamble of the bill, strengthens the right of parents, according to the CBC:
The first would add a new recital to the law: "considering that parents have the a priori right to choose the type of education that will be given to their children" [...]
New Bill 15 makes several changes to the old education law that applied from kindergarten to grade 12 (schoolchildren aged 17/18), including the removal of oversight of school boards in schools. requests from charter schools, approval of unsupervised home schooling and affirmation of support for private and independent schools.
"The choice of school and the freedom of parents to decide the education of their children is not a political preference, it is a basic human right," Prime Minister Jason Kenney said at a conference. press a few hours before the bill is tabled.
“Legislation enshrines Albertans' belief in freedom, diversity, pluralism and choice. We think parents know better than politicians or bureaucrats what is in the best interests of their children. "
Under the old education law, applications for enrollment in charter schools must first obtain the approval of their local school district, the equivalent of the old school boards in Quebec or the academy. in France, while proving that they offered a unique program not offered in the public system.
From now on, requests will go directly to the Minister of Education, and further political changes are encouraging "professional" charter schools, particularly at the secondary level, which better prepare students for the professional workplace.
"We are committed to providing a number of education options that allow parents to choose the path that they believe will best help their children reach their full potential," said the Minister of Education. , Adriana La Grange.
"Because we believe that parents are better able than politicians or bureaucrats which is in the best interests of their children," added Kenney.
One of the contributions of the bill, included in the preamble of the bill, strengthens the right of parents, according to the CBC:
The first would add a new recital to the law: "considering that parents have the a priori right to choose the type of education that will be given to their children" [...]
New Bill 15 makes several changes to the old education law that applied from kindergarten to grade 12 (schoolchildren aged 17/18), including the removal of oversight of school boards in schools. requests from charter schools, approval of unsupervised home schooling and affirmation of support for private and independent schools.
"The choice of school and the freedom of parents to decide the education of their children is not a political preference, it is a basic human right," Prime Minister Jason Kenney said at a conference. press a few hours before the bill is tabled.
“Legislation enshrines Albertans' belief in freedom, diversity, pluralism and choice. We think parents know better than politicians or bureaucrats what is in the best interests of their children. "
Under the old education law, applications for enrollment in charter schools must first obtain the approval of their local school district, the equivalent of the old school boards in Quebec or the academy. in France, while proving that they offered a unique program not offered in the public system.
From now on, requests will go directly to the Minister of Education, and further political changes are encouraging "professional" charter schools, particularly at the secondary level, which better prepare students for the professional workplace.
"We are committed to providing a number of education options that allow parents to choose the path that they believe will best help their children reach their full potential," said the Minister of Education. , Adriana La Grange.