Canadian School Boards Association Strengthens Connections in Ottawa
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2024
OTTAWA, ON: Members of elected school boards from throughout the country met with federal government leaders in Ottawa to strengthen connections related to public education in Canada.
Over the course of two days, the Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA) Board of Directors discussed important issues such as the National School Food Program, Indigenous education and languages, and the importance of locally elected voices in public education.
“The annual federal advocacy event is an important opportunity for the CSBA to bring the voice of school boards from throughout Canada to Ottawa,” says CSBA President Alan Campbell. “We capitalized on every opportunity to meet with Members of Parliament, Senators, and senior staff. More than ever, our Association is proving to be an important link between our education partners at all levels of government as we work together in the best interest of children and youth in our country.” The CSBA has held advocacy meetings in Ottawa since 2019, establishing strong connections with leaders whose mandate overlaps with education, regardless of their political affiliations.
Members of the CSBA Board of Directors also shared recommendations based on research conducted by Dr. Katina Pollock, Western University, on the role of democratically elected local voice in public education. ‘Local voice in decision-making at the school system level across Canada’ is the first academic study to explore the impact of local democratic voices including the impact of losing elected school boards in Canada. Commissioned by the CSBA, the report highlights the loss of transparency, public engagement, accountability, and community representation in jurisdictions where elected school boards have been eliminated.
“Canada’s public schools are at the heart of their communities,” says President Campbell. “The locally elected school boards who are responsible for those schools understand their realities better than anyone. As public education continues to innovate and adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of our 21st century learners, it is crucial that school boards have strong relationships with all levels of government. Public education is a provincial government responsibility, but it is of interest to everyone.”
During the visit to Ottawa, the CSBA met with over 20 Members of Parliament, Senators, and senior staff from several parties. “Our meetings with partners at the federal level offered fantastic opportunities to identify common areas for collaboration in support of children and youth,” says President Campbell.
The Canadian School Boards Association, founded in 1923, represents elected school board members throughout Canada. The CSBA advocates for public education advancements and quality governance. It offers professional development, research, and collaboration opportunities while working with education partners to support students, schools, families, and communities.
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For more information, contact:
Nancy Pynch-Worthylake
Executive Director
902-456-5574
executivedirector@cdnsba.org