'We see it as anti-teacher': Bill 35 to create independent teacher misconduct commission
The Manitoba government is following through with legislation it says will better protect children in schools.
Earlier this week, a bill to create an online teacher registry and independent discipline process for teacher misconduct was introduced in the Manitoba Legislature.
Measures that child protection advocates have long been calling on the province to put in place.
"We're very pleased to see the beginning of transparency in the province of Manitoba," said Monique St. Germain with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (CCCP). "Manitoba is one of the provinces that does not have this system set up yet."
Under the new legislation, parents and students in Manitoba would be able to check on a teacher's disciplinary history, and have a new way to bring forward misconduct complaints.
Bill 35 would also create an independent commissioner who would oversee the complaint/discipline process.
A recent CCCP study found that between 2017 and 2021, a total of 252 current or former school personnel in Canada had committed or were accused of offences of a sexual nature against at least 548 students.
The organization Stop Educator Child Exploitation welcomes the registry but said the disciplinary process role is not as independent as it should be.
President of the public commission Anne-Marie Robinson said the panel that would hear misconduct matters would include both teachers and school board association nominees. "We feel they have a conflict of interest in that sense as well as the teacher's unions who owe a duty of care to their members," said Robinson.
The union representing teachers has its own concerns about Bill 35. "We at MTS oppose this legislation, we see it as anti-teacher," said Nathan Martindale with the Manitoba Teachers Society (MTS).
Martindale feels the definition of misconduct is too vague, and worries about minor or frivolous complaints from students that could unfairly impact a teacher's career. "If they receive a mark that they're not happy with, if a teacher raises their voice," said Martindale, giving examples.
Education Minister Wayne Ewasko said as a teacher himself he is troubled with the MTS's stance.
"I think keeping kids safe should be the number one priority, and it's actually troubling to hear that my former union is feeling that way," said Ewasko.
He added that due process is in place in the bill to prevent frivolous accusations.
On the independence of the discipline process, Ewasko said the panels are well-rounded and have representation from all sides, including the public.
The bill must still go through a second reading, and Ewasko said they are open to making changes to it when the time comes. "There will definitely be a committee stage where any suggestions or amendments can be brought up," said Ewasko. "We'll definitely take a look because it's going to be very important to hear from the public."
It's unclear yet if the legislation will pass. The NDP are able to delay a handful of bills, which could ultimately prevent them from passing due to the provincial election in October.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
Vancouver's all-star goaltender won't be in net Tuesday evening, the Canucks' coach has confirmed to TSN.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.