The Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP is questioning the Ontario Premier about recently announced plans for the sex-ed curriculum at Ontario elementary schools.
“Why have you decided to break the 2010 Liberal promise to consult with parents before reintroducing new changes to Ontario’s Sex education curriculum,” stated Monte McNaughton during Question period on Tuesday. “Why don’t you simply release the details of the proposed changes to the sex education curriculum now? What are you trying to hide?”
Wynne said they will be relying on the presidents of the local school councils to launch a process of consultation with parents.
“I understand that the role of a school council chair is to talk to the people in his or her school to get that input and then to feed that input into a process—that’s how it works,” she said. “We promised we would consult with parents—that’s exactly what we’re doing. I understand that the role of a school council chair is to talk to the people in his or her school to get that input and then to feed that input into a process—that’s how it works. We promised we would consult with parents—that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
The Liberal stated at the end of October as part of extensive provincial Health and Physical Education curriculum consultations, Ontario is listening to more feedback from parents from across the province.
This fall, one parent from every elementary school across the province will have the opportunity to provide feedback to the government through a secure survey.
The government will benefit from the perspective of approximately 4,000 parents regarding trusted sources for health information, as well as when certain information should be taught in schools.
As the new curriculum is finalized, the insights and advice provided through this process will be considered along with research and information from earlier consultations and focus groups with students, teachers, parents, faculties of education, universities and colleges, as well as other organizations and stakeholders.
A current, relevant and age-appropriate Health and Physical Education curriculum will be introduced in Ontario classrooms in September 2015. The curriculum will support students in developing the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing and connected world.
McNaughton said Wynne is not doing enough.
“Our school council presidents are great people and do excellent work volunteering for education in Ontario, but I do think it is unfair for Kathleen Wynne to expect these local volunteers to do her government’s work for her, and especially if they don’t have the tools such as any specific information to share with parents,” McNaughton said.
See the exchange between McNaughton and Wynne in this video:
