Bill 3: Education Act has passed 3rd Reading

I am elated to let everyone know that Bill 3:  Education Act has passed 3^rd reading in the Alberta Legislature. Late Monday evening, in the November 26 sitting of the Alberta Legislature, Bill 3 passed 3^rd reading in a recorded vote.  37 MLAs voted yea and 2 MLAs voted nay.

 

All PC and Wildrose MLAs present voted yea and Liberal and NDP MLAs present voted nay.

 

The passed Bill 3 contains the following diversity clause wording:

 

16(1) All courses or programs of study and instructional materials

used in a school must reflect the diverse nature and heritage of

society in Alberta, promote understanding and respect for others

and honour and respect the common values and beliefs of

Albertans.

(2) For greater certainty, the courses or programs of study and

instructional materials referred to in subsection (1) must not

promote or foster doctrines of racial or ethnic superiority or

persecution, social change through violent action or disobedience

of laws.

 

This wording is similar to the current School Act and takes out all reference to the Alberta Human Rights Act.

 

In addition, AHEA and its members had been requesting that a parent’s paramount right in the education of their children be recognized.  Education Minister Johnson did exactly this by adding the following additional statement into Bill 3: Education Act:

 

32 A parent has the prior right to choose the kind of education

that shall be provided to the parent’s child, and as a partner in

education, has the responsibility to

(a) act as the primary guide and decision-maker with respect

to the child’s education,

 

In a quote from a CTV news article, Education Minister Jeff Johnson is quoted, “The Education Act is actually the first legislation in Canada to formally recognize the role of parents as a child's first and most important teacher,” said Education Minister Jeff Johnson. “As a parent, that is something I am very proud of.” (further news articles  http://www.aheaonline.com/index.php/political-updates/377-news-articles-related-to-bill-3-educaiton-act ). 

 

This is a major change and inclusion into the act, the enshrinement of parental rights in the education of their children.  Glory be to God for this!

 

 

Bill 3 has now passed 3^rd reading in the legislature, and all that is necessary for this Bill to become law is for it to receive Royal Assent.  Mr. Johnson has indicated that all regulations (including the Home Education Regulation) will be reviewed and potentially amended over the next 18 months.  Once this has been completed, Bill 3 and all the associated Regulations will be presented for Royal Assent together.  Once the Lieutenant Governor gives final approval to the bill – Royal Assent - the process required for the Bill and associated Regulations to become law will be complete.

 

Please say a prayer of thanksgiving and also a prayer for a smooth review of the Home Education Regulation.