Independent Ontario schools launch legal challenge alleging exclusion from COVID-19 funding
Three independent schools are turning to the courts after they allege the Ontario government improperly excluded them and other similar institutions from COVID-19 funding.
The schools -- two in Toronto and one in Kitchener, Ont. -- argue that in doling out the provincial portion of the federal Safe Return to Class Fund, the Ontario government left out some 1,500 independent institutions and the more than 150,000 children who attend them.
In an application that has not yet been tested in court, they allege the funding was withheld for "no justifiable reason" given that independent schools have been subject to the same health restrictions and closures as publicly funded ones.
"Independent schools are not immune from COVID-19. They have shuttered their doors, suffered outbreaks, and expended significant funds to protect their students and staff," the document reads.
"Regarding matters other than the Safe Return to Class Fund, Ontario has rightfully treated independent schools in a similar manner as publicly funded schools regarding the pandemic... and likewise, independent schools including the applicants legitimately expected equal funding from the Safe Return to Class Fund."
The schools are asking the Divisional Court to overturn the provincial decision and order that the funding be distributed to independent schools on the same pro-rata basis as publicly funded schools.
They're also seeking a declaration that the province breached procedural fairness in failing to notify and "meaningfully consult" them or other affected parties.
The application was brought by Toronto Cheder, an Orthodox Jewish day school, Metropolitan Preparatory Academy, a non-denomination middle and high school, and Woodland Christian High School in Kitchener. It is set to be heard on Aug. 9.
The Ontario government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Safe Return to Class Fund was announced last summer as part of various pandemic supports provided by the federal government.
The amount given to provinces under the fund was calculated based on the number of children between the ages of four and 18, with a $2 million base sum given to each jurisdiction.
The maximum amount Ontario could receive through the program was $763.34 million.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.