FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2025
MLA Karla Bernard introducing bill to provide more transparency and accountability around sexual misconduct complaints in Island schools
Charlottetown, PE – Tomorrow in the legislature, Karla Bernard, Leader of the Third Party and Third Party Critic for Education, will table a bill to increase transparency and accountability regarding sexual misconduct complaints in Island schools. The bill is based on a previously proposed Green bill from 2020 and a subsequent draft ministerial directive.
“The recent criminal case of substitute teacher Matthew Craswell has shone a light on the need for better reporting and response to allegations of sexual misconduct in Island schools,” said Bernard. “By putting these protections into law, we’re building a stronger foundation of trust, through transparency and accountability, between students, families, and the P.E.I. Public Schools Branch.”
The proposed bill, which is an amendment to the Education Act, would add a requirement for the annual reports submitted to the Minister of Education by each education authority. This requirement would include information on complaints of sexual misconduct under a sexual misconduct policy, and the supports, services, and accommodation available to students. The amendment clearly requires that an annual report shall not contain identifying information of any person in relation to a complaint.
“This PC government had five years to make these changes, either through legislation or a ministerial directive,” said Bernard. “Instead, Minister after Minister sat on their hands and did nothing to improve the safety of children in the education system. We cannot wait another five months, let alone five years, to make these changes that will support Island students, their families, and teachers and school staff.”
Due to the time sensitive nature of the issue and the remaining days of the spring sitting of the legislature, Bernard intends to table the proposed bill on Wednesday, May 14 and seek unanimous consent from the legislature to debate the bill the same day. If passed, the proposed bill will commence at the beginning of the 2025/26 school year.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Katie Rankin
Chief of Staff
Office of the Third Party
Tel: (902) 213-6378
Email: kerankin@assembly.pe.ca