After abuse allegations, NDP wants funding for schools tied to human rights guarantee

The Saskatchewan NDP wants to see funding for Legacy Christian Academy tied to a guarantee in the wake of public allegations of abuse at the school and Mile Two Church.

Carla Beck, leader of the NDP, said she feels human rights for children are not being as protected as they should be in schools, and called for schools to make a commitment to uphold human rights in order to receive provincial funding.

“There is a reasonable expectation that children in this province have their basic human rights respected, and one of the ways that the government can ensure this is to tie that public funding to an agreement, a commitment by all institutions that are qualified, that they will adhere to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code,” she said Wednesday.

Beck said she believes the expectation is a reasonable one, adding many in the province would probably be surprised that the rule isn’t already in effect. Previously, the NDP called for provincial funding to Legacy Christian Academy be immediately frozen.

Calling for the human rights assurances now is an important step, according to Matt Love, the NDP education critic, because of the “incredibly courageous and brave individuals” who have come forward publicly to share their experiences while at the school.

A number of former students have also launched a class-action lawsuit, seeking millions in damages from people formerly connected to the school and church.

Beck said Dustin Duncan, Saskatchewan’s education minister, has indicated that no action has been taken by the Saskatchewan Party government because there has not yet been criminal charges laid or a finding of criminality stemming from the allegations against the school, formerly known as Christian Centre Academy.

“We think that bar, if that’s the only bar that is there, something needs to change,” Beck said.

On Aug. 11, Duncan announced a suite of oversight measures at independent schools, including Legacy Christian Academy, which included the appointment of supervisors at three independent schools, increased the number of unannounced inspection visits, and required schools to inform his office within 24 hours if there are any allegations of abuse or criminal charges against a staff member.

Both Beck and Love stressed children in Saskatchewan deserve better, and should be free of fear of discrimination or violence when attending school.

The NDP leader said a clear expectation must exist requiring the rights of children to be respected and, if violated, the government should act before criminality is established.

“We believe when there are allegations … that that needs to lead to an immediate action,” Beck said.

The NDP leader said parents should have a right to send their kids to a school of their choosing, but she said all schools that are receiving public dollars should be expected to adhere to human rights.

Calling the Saskatchewan Party a “do-nothing” government, Love said it is clear the province will only act when the media and the public “raise the alarm and turn off the pressure.”

Duncan spoke to media Tuesday, saying he feels the government’s measures are enough to ensure students are safe.

The minister indicated he welcomes the investigation announced this week by Saskatchewan’s child advocate, and pointed to the fact one independent school — Grace Christian School — lost its certificate of registration after administration refused to co-operate with a government-appointed supervisor.

“At this point, I’m comfortable with the steps that the government has taken, that the province has taken,” Duncan said.

“This has already resulted in one of the schools being closed, so we’ve taken significant action. And if we have to, I’m prepared to do more.”