Ontario bill ousts Catholic school trustee

Summary#

• This Ontario bill would remove a specific school board trustee from office and block them from serving again for a set time.

• It responds to a Europe trip taken in July 2024 that was paid for with public funds, which a government review found was not an appropriate use of money. Three trustees repaid the money; the Haldimand County trustee did not repay the full amount of $12,370.

• Key changes:

  • The Haldimand County trustee’s seat on the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board would be vacated the day the law takes effect.
  • That trustee could not run for any school board office in the next regular municipal election after the law takes effect.
  • They also could not be appointed to, or run in a by-election for, any school board office until November 14, 2030.
  • Most lawsuits for money or damages tied to this law would be blocked against the Province, the school board, and Haldimand County. People could still ask a court for judicial review or a constitutional ruling, but most other claims would be barred.

What it means for you#

• Haldimand County residents and Catholic school families

  • Your elected trustee seat would become vacant right away if the trustee still holds office when the law takes effect.
  • The board would need to fill the vacancy under existing rules, so there may be a short period with no trustee for your area.
  • Day-to-day school operations and services would continue.

• Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board

  • You would need to move to fill the Haldimand County vacancy using the usual process.
  • You could not appoint or accept a nomination from the specified trustee during the ban period.

• The specified trustee

  • You would lose your seat the day the law takes effect (if still in office).
  • You could not run for any school board office in the next regular election.
  • You could not be appointed to, or run in a by-election for, any school board office until November 14, 2030.
  • You could seek a judicial review or raise constitutional arguments in court, but you could not sue for money damages related to this law.

• Taxpayers

  • The bill aims to protect public funds by removing a trustee who did not repay travel costs and by limiting lawsuits for damages related to this law.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• This protects public confidence by holding trustees accountable for how they use public money.
• It removes a trustee who refused to repay funds after a government review found the spending was not appropriate.
• The time-limited ban prevents an immediate return to office and reinforces standards for using public funds.
• Blocking most damages claims shields taxpayers and public bodies from legal costs tied to this specific action.
• It allows limited court oversight (judicial review), balancing accountability and stability.

Opponents' View#

• Targeting a single elected person by passing a special law can undermine local democracy and voter choice.
• Vacating the seat may leave Haldimand County without representation for a time.
• The ban until November 2030 may be seen as too harsh and could set a precedent for political interference in school board affairs.
• Limiting lawsuits and damages reduces legal remedies for people who feel harmed by the law.
• This approach could chill independent judgment by trustees who fear being removed by legislation.