TORONTO — The Ontario government has introduced the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, a comprehensive legislative package aimed at increasing oversight, improving transparency, and enhancing safety across the education and child welfare sectors. If passed, the new measures would give the province expanded authority over school boards, colleges and universities, and children’s aid societies.
Education Minister Paul Calandra said the proposed legislation is a necessary response to “financial mismanagement” by certain school boards and a broader need to ensure that public systems prioritize student achievement.
“Parents deserve confidence that school boards are making decisions in the best interests of their children’s education,” said Calandra. “These new measures would build on our previous actions to improve governance, enforce compliance and focus school boards on what matters most: student success.”
Key Changes Proposed
The legislation includes a suite of new measures to enforce accountability across multiple sectors:
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School Boards: New rules would require public posting of expense reports for key individuals and introduce greater Ministerial authority over financial and governance matters.
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Children’s Aid Societies: The province would strengthen financial oversight and expand the Ombudsman’s authority to investigate cases involving youth aged 18 to 22.
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Postsecondary Institutions: Ontario would require merit-based admissions and improve transparency around student fees at publicly funded colleges and universities.
A new certificate program would also incentivize student volunteerism by awarding a Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for those completing 50 or more community hours.
School Resource Officers to Return
A particularly notable proposal is the return of School Resource Officer (SRO) programs, which would be mandatory in school boards where local police services offer them. The province says the move is about ensuring student safety and fostering trust between youth and law enforcement.
Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario, called the initiative “a significant step toward protecting Ontario schools and students,” while Mark Baxter, President of the Police Association of Ontario, added that SROs can be “mentors who make lasting impacts.”
Building on Past Legislation
The new act builds on previous reforms, including last year’s Supporting Children’s Futures Act and the Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, which focused on cost transparency, mental health, and anti-hate policies in education.
According to the Ministry of Education, Ontario is investing over $30 billion in core education funding for 2025–26. With the proposed legislation, the province aims to ensure that investment translates into better student outcomes and safer learning environments.
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