Understanding Canadian Schools

prescribed state involvement in education in Upper Canada until the 1840's

Led the Conservatives to believe that a central authority was needed to provide direction to local schools

the two colonies of Canada (French and British) are united under one political banner

-the first time central administrative authority is established over schooling in Upper Canada
- a chief superintendent of education is appointed to oversee the operation of elementary education in both sections of the colony

• replaced the Common School Act of 1841
• gave the newly appointed assistant superintendents (one for British Canada, one for French Canada) responsibility over allocation of funding, and for researching local educational organization

revised in 1850
- shifted local power to centralized administrative structures

The British North America Act

-prescribed a publicly funded, provincially controlled school system

The first time that the principle of the right to establish publicly funded separate schools using the principle of religious immunity is put into legislation.
- subject to provincial controls over curriculum and teachers, Protestant and Catholic parents were authorized to establish their own schools and receive public funding.

Defined the powers of local trustees.
the chief superintendent and the Council of Public Instruction are made responsible to the Ministry of Education.

Separate schools are able to receive public funding, and are subject to the authority of the provincial government. This authority is constrained by the provisions of Section 93, and interpretations made by the court.