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
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it's too late
Christine Roess is a retired consultant. Ezra Bozeman has spent the last 49 years in prison, serving a life sentence for a murder he says he didn’t commit. Against the odds, the two fell in love.