Ontario’s Education Minister Paul Calandra is doubling down on his directive to school boards to keep graduation ceremonies free of political messaging, and warning he is prepared to step in if boards do not comply.
In an interview with QP Briefing, Calandra said that while he hopes boards will adjust voluntarily, he is ready to intervene using the full scope of his authority under the Education Act.
Calandra sent out a letter to boards on March 20th, outlining what he called “two serious and pressing matters”: ensuring graduation ceremonies remain focused on student achievement, and reinforcing expectations around staff conduct.