Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026
Sponsored by Calandra, Hon. Paul · Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2026, chapter 4
- Changes decision-making and oversight in Ontario's education system, expanding the Minister's powers over school boards, child care, and post-secondary accreditation
- Replaces existing bodies (Languages of Instruction Commission, OCSTA/OPSBA as bargaining agents) with new arrangements and eventually dissolves the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario
- Minister gets added power to support operators and service system managers
- Minister may assign an Ontario education number to a child at parent's request
- Minister gains power to set policies on student assessment, board expenses, materials, and communications
- Repeals Minister's power over school climate surveys and boards' related reporting duty
- Boards must get Minister's approval to acquire land, expropriate, or alter/repair school buildings
- Minister may direct or replace board control over building projects and require fee payment