The Quiet Exodus: Why Families Are Leaving the Public System

The face of student enrollment has been changing markedly right across Canada in the last few decades. This is best detailed in an article from the Fraser Institute: “As share of total K–12 enrolment nationwide, independent school enrolment up 45%, public school enrolment down 3.7% since 2000/01.”

The final words of the conclusion section in the full report read:

“However, despite the different levels of funding and the wide variety of regulatory environments across the country, an increasing number of families—from every province—are choosing educational options outside of the government public education system for their children.”

What is driving this exodus out of the public system?

Some parents may cite declining standards in Reading, Writing, and Math subjects, with the reduced focus on phonics and traditional math skills training. Others may have concerns over violence not being well addressed.

But one thing is loud and clear: many thousands have expressed concern over the ideological changes that conflict with personal and/or religious beliefs. Federally-pushed concepts have been infiltrating provinces, though education is supposed to be a provincial jurisdiction according to the Canadian Constitution.

Furthermore, so-called “human rights” organizations have been taking their cues from global organizations who continually re-define those “rights” with no approval from citizens. Some of those decisions—such as allowing persons to choose the washrooms and changerooms of their choice based on gender ideologies—have tied the hands of school boards while parents scream their objections. Such radical changes have evoked the ire of parents to the point of switching schools or removing the kids entirely to protect them from such radicalism.

Alberta seems to have the best options for all parents, as they provide funding for Charter schools to run independently, as well as funding for home schooling. The full report (page 22) notes:

“There are 37 charters granted in Alberta, housing a larger number of charter schools and enrolling 1.6 percent of the province’s students.”

Interestingly, the upcoming Alberta referendum has 10 questions, not 1, and one of these is to request proper jurisdiction over health and education by stating that where there is a conflict between the two powers in such matters, the province overrides the feds. (See question #9.)

Perhaps it’s time for Ontario—and other provinces—to put similar questions to the population of Canada. Time to reverse the erosion of power of provinces and municipalities, and even school boards, to determine sensible policies for our own nation.

Our sovereign nation—one unfettered by the ever-changing demands of global fingers and their unelected lording over our nations and rights.

As a candidate for Trustee, many parents have expressed to me their desire to remove their children from the public system. I find it quite troubling that parents believe our

system is letting our students down. As a trustee, I will advocate for the reinstatement of powers essential for having the appropriate influence on our students' education. It's crucial that this occurs locally and that parents have a voice in the process.

Source: Concerned Parents Association of London and Area (CPAL)