Advocacy
French Grants for Independent Schools in Ontario
Independent schools in Ontario received a letter from the Ontario Ministry of Education, French Language Education Policy and Programs Branch, informing them that beginning in 2008-09 the French grants (a Federal program administered by the province) would only be available to inspected non-public/Catholic secondary schools offering French instruction a minimum of 25% of the school week.
Click here to read the OACS memo that was sent to independent Christian schools in Ontario.
Click here to read the Ministry of Education letter that was sent to independent schools in Ontario.
Click here to find contact information for your MP.
We strongly encourage all independent school supporters to participate in correcting the arbitrary injustice of the Ontario Ministry of Education’s decision. It’s very simple.
Please find below a letter you can send to your federal MP, and a letter you can send to the Minister.
Click here to email the following letter to your MP.
Dear_____
In October 2007, the Ontario Ministry of Education arbitrarily removed independent schools from participation in the federal Canadian Heritage grants program for Second Language Instruction and Education. We urge you to contact Hon. J. Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, to provide all-party support for the Proposal for an Agreement between the Ministry of Canadian Heritage and the Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools, which would correct the injustice of the Ontario decision. Your colleague in the House, David Sweet, MP Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, is championing this cause with the Minister, and he would appreciate your support.
Click here to send the following letter to Hon. J. Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage. This will open up the letter into your email program, complete with the email address, subject line and the body of the letter as seen below. Enter a saluation (Dear Minister) and complete the letter with your name and complete address. Feel free to add your own comments.
Dear Minister:
As you know the government of Ontario arbitrarily removed independent schools from participation in the federal Canadian Heritage grants program for second language and instruction. We strongly urge you to correct this blatant subversion of a national policy by seriously considering the Proposal for an Agreement between the Ministry of Canadian Heritage and the Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools. Students attending independent schools receive an education that prepares them for responsible Canadian citizenship and deserve the support of their government. Please act on this issue quickly and with resolve.
School Choice
From its inception in 1952, OACS has been involved in legal and political advocacy to acquire government financial support for parental choice in education. This activity has a twofold purpose: (1) to improve education for all students, and (2) to ensure just treatment of all citizens as they direct the education of their children.
For up-todate information regarding the upcoming provincial election, go to Parents for Educational Choice.
This section of our website offered a series of 15 OACS Information Bulletins which dealt with a topic that was being discussed in the campaign and on the editorial pages and the current facts regarding funding faith-based schools.
Remarks on faith-based schools offensive - September 10, 2007
The following article first appeared in the Hamilton Spectator on September 10, 2007
Last week more than 13,000 students entered the 78 schools of the Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools (OACS) to learn how to be responsible citizens. Besides receiving high quality academics, these students will learn that Christian citizenship includes participating in the economic life of society, obeying the law, respecting the rights and beliefs of others, getting involved in the life of the land by way of volunteering, voting, and generally contributing to the common good.
Read More
Since the Liberal government revoked the Equity in Education Tax Credit in 2003, Christian school boards have found it increasingly difficult to balance the high cost of Christian education and the ability of parents to pay. Just last month the Lucknow District Christian School made the difficult decision not to open its doors this school year. Furthermore, an increasing number of OACS school communities have serious financial concerns going forward. It is a reality that normal, hard-working middle class Christian families are questioning how long they can continue to pay for Christian education. Read more
Expanding school choice inside public education is a good thing when it includes faith-based private
schools. The Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools (OACS) is pleased with the new announcement from Mr.
John Tory, the Leader of the Opposition, in which he expands on a platform announced in March. Read more
When my son was in grade 2 or 3, he told us about field day at the public school he passed on his way home from Laurentian Hills Christian School. He said, “I wish we were publics. They have better sports stuff than we do.” I asked, “Publics? Who are publics?” He didn’t miss a beat. “Well, we’re Christians, they’re publics.” Aha! The teachable moment! Read more
Expanding education in the public interest would be good for Ontario, is the message of the Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools (OACS). In a statement released today, the OACS points to principles found in the 1984 Shapiro Commission Report and practices underway in other provinces as the foundations for a new education policy which would include government support for school choice. Read More
OACS Public Policy Statement #5
We believe the following to be deeply relevant for the achievement of equitable school choice in Ontario ... (read more)
We Believe: Parents have the primary responsibility for directing the education of their children.
Government protects the public interest by requiring all schools to publicly disclose pertinent information about their programs, thereby assisting parents in making an informed educational choice.
Democracy blooms through educational diversity and choice.
It is in the best interests of society for government to provide fair funding for all students receiving an education that meets the standards for realizing the public good.
click here to read more ...
School Funding Models in Alberta and British Columbia
A brief summary of the funding models that currently exist in Alberta and British Columbia.
This section holds news releases, essays, and articles related to OACS advocacy to acquire government financial support for parental choice in education.
