Haldimand–Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady is raising alarms over the future of Ontario’s school board trustees, warning that eliminating them would be an “affront to democracy.”
Brady noted that trustees have been part of Ontario’s education system since 1816, elected to represent families and communities while overseeing local schools. But she says their role has been steadily weakened, with trustees now restricted from returning constituent emails, visiting schools, or advocating directly for families.
She pointed to Grand Erie trustee Carol Ann Sloat, who has faced legal battles after questioning closed-door board decisions, as an example of how accountability has been undermined.
Brady also highlighted the controversy around Brant Haldimand–Norfolk Catholic trustee Mark Watson’s unpaid Italian trip expenses, which she fears could be used as justification to abolish trustees altogether.
With the province considering reforms, Brady warned that eliminating trustees today could open the door to removing other local elected officials tomorrow.
Written by Jeremy Hall