Poste - Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children

Title of Act
Years of compulsory
education
Years of entitled education
Stated objectives
Alternatives to public
education
Access to education for
special needs or
exceptional children
Language of instuction
C A N A D I A N C O A L I T I O N F O R T H E R I G H T S O F C H I L D R E N
Ontario
Education Act
R.S.O. 1990, c.E-2
6 to 16 (s.21)
6 to 21 (s.33)
Not mentioned
Private schools are defined as
schools that serve more than
five school age children
during the school day.
Monitored by Minister. (s.16)
Home schooling is allowed
(s.21).
Exceptional children are
qualified for a special needs
program (s.11).
English unless student falls
within section 23 of the
Charter.
Quebec
Education Act
R.S.Q. 1993, c. I-13.3
6 to 16 (s.14)
5 to 18 (s.1)
To contribute to the social
and cultural development of
the community.
Home education is allowed
and evaluated by school
board.
An Act respecting Private
Education R.S.Q. 1997 E-9.1
defines private institution as
one dispensing educational
services to more than five
students. Once the eligibility
criteria is met, a Minister’s
permit is issued.
Handicapped students or
students with a social
maladjustment or learning
disability will have an
individualized education
program developed for their
needs (s.47).
French unless student falls
within s.23 of the Charter or
s.73 of the Charter of the
French language, L.R.Q., c.
C-11.
94
New Brunswick
School Act
R.S.N.B. 1997, c.E-1.12
5 to 16 (s.15)
5 to 21 (s.15)
Recognizes equality, duality
and equity. Each child to
receive education of highest
quality.
May be exempt from school
with authorization of Minister
if under effective instruction
elsewhere.
Exceptional children
(behavioural,
communicational,
intellectual, physical,
perceptional exceptionalities)
are entitled to a special
education program (s.12).
English unless student falls
within s.23 of Charter. Some
programs for Mi’kmaq and
Maliseet children (s.7).
Nova Scotia
Education Act
S.N.S. 1995-96, c.1.
5 to 16 (s.5)
5 to 21 (s.5)
Recognizes the diverse nature
of Nova Scotia and promotes
fair and equitable
participation and benefit in
education system to all
persons.
Private schools defined as
schools that serve school age
children and have a similar
curriculum to public schools.
(s.130)
Home education is permitted
with an educational program
and registration with Minister
(s.128).
Not in the Act but parents
have the right to participate
in individualized program for
special needs children
(s.25(2)).
English unless student falls
within s.23 of the Charter.
Mi’kmak (s.138) and African
Canadian (s.140) heritage
education promoted.