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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.