Canadian Press File Photo

By David Opinko

Bill 15

Bill introduced to create greater “choice in education” in Alberta

May 28, 2020 | 5:25 PM

If a newly-introduced bill passes, it would allow parents more flexibility to choose what kinds of education their children will have.

Bill 15, the Choice in Education Act, will make several amendments to the Education Act, perhaps most significantly to create more options to do homeschooling and to allow for the establishment of charter schools that expressly focus on vocation-based education.

“We committed to Albertans that our government would introduce a Choice in Education Act to affirm that parents have the primary right to choose the education their children receive,” says Premier Jason Kenney. “Parents, not politicians, know what is best for their kids, and our government is committed to delivering an excellent, world-class education that will equip them for life.”

The proposed changes as are follows:

• Amending the preamble to the Education Act to include recognition of Section 26.3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, stating that “parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.”
• Protects parental choice while “ensuring a strong public education system” by indicating support for all types of schooling
• Supports the creation of new charter schools, including those that provide vocation-focused schooling
• Provides new options for parents who choose to homeschool their children

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

“We are committed to offering a number of education options that allow parents to select the path they feel will best help their children reach their full potential,” says Education Minister Adriana LaGrange.

“I am proud to say that Alberta is the leader in choice available to families, and provides parents with more opportunities for their children’s education than anywhere else in Canada.”

More than 50,000 Albertans took part in an online survey from the government regarding choice in education late last year.

62 per cent said they were satisfied with the amount of education choice in Alberta, while 59 per cent were happy with the amount of information available about school choice.

If passed, Bill 15 will come into effect on September 1, 2020.