“Our office has received complaints from across the province about children, including those with disabilities, being excluded from school with little or no instruction,” said Chalke. “We will examine the extent to which K-12 students are being excluded from schools across the province and whether those exclusions are fair. We will assess the role of the Ministry of Education and Child Care and school districts in these exclusions.”

Complaints received by the Ombudsperson’s office indicate that school districts are excluding students due to disruptive or unsafe behaviour, or inadequate resources devoted to adequately support the student’s learning in the school. In some cases schools are reported to have informally excluded students from school entirely or for much of the school day.

“I am concerned about the outcomes for children who are excluded from school with little or no instruction,” said Chalke. “Children have limited options to address unfairness in their education and school environments. By examining this issue we can make recommendations to support the ministry and school districts in meeting their inclusive education commitments and obligations to all students.”

Students or families of students who wish to contribute to the Ombudsperson’s investigation can fill out a brief, confidential questionnaire. Those interested in speaking directly with an Ombudsperson investigator about their experience can provide their contact information when replying to the questionnaire. The questionnaire will be open until April 1, 2025.