FCSS-FESC Statement on Eligibility for DPCDSB Elementary Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, ON — Trustees of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) voted against a motion that would allow Christian-Orthodox students from enrolling in its elementary schools, citing “a lack of public consultation” and “contradictions to the Education Act.”

The FCSS-FESC is concerned about this development. Enrollment at the DPCDSB is declining, and declining fast. The DPCDSB is projected to lose approximately 7.76% in enrolment (5,621 total students) over the next ten years. This decision puts politics before the financial well-being of the board.

The Education Act does not prohibit such a move. Indeed, if this were to be the case, numerous Catholic school boards, including Canada’s largest: the Toronto Catholic District School Board would not have opened its elementary schools to students of all faiths.

DPCDSB Trustees need to reflect on the problems facing their school board in the status quo instead of sticking to tradition. The move would not be a particularly controversial one. Many of its counterparts in the GTA and across Ontario allow non-Catholic students in elementary schools.

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Founded in 2012, the Federation of Canadian Secondary Students / Fédération des élèves du secondaire au Canada (FCSS-FESC) is an entirely non-partisan youth-led charity that strives to advocate for students in secondary schools and CÉGEPs across Canada.

Media Contact:
Frank Li, Chief Communications Officer
frank.li@fcss-fesc.ca / +1 (289) 408-8600 ext. 104