'Enhance educational choice': Alberta government bans school mask mandates, online-only instruction
CTV
In a bid to 'protect and enhance educational choice,' Alberta banned all K-12 school authorities and early childhood learning operators from implementing mask mandates and pivoting to online-only learning.
In a bid to "protect and enhance educational choice," Alberta banned all K-12 school authorities and early childhood learning operators from implementing mask mandates and pivoting to online-only learning.
On Thursday, the province passed two orders in council with immediate effect amending the Education Act to prevent any school or early learning operator from denying a child access to classes if they are not wearing a face mask or covering.
In addition, any education program operator that moves learning online must provide an option for in-person instruction.
For Premier Danielle Smith, the regulatory changes guarantee students and parents have access to in-person learning and clarify that children cannot be denied opportunities to learn based on personal decisions to wear or not wear a mask.
"Parents and students have told me time and time again that they want a normal school environment for their kids," Smith said in a statement.
"With that in mind, we have taken steps to protect and enhance educational choice," the premier added. "Families are free to make their own personal health decisions, and, no matter what that decision is, it will be supported by Alberta’s education system."
Adriana LaGrange, education minister, said she heard parents and students alike want "stability" and "clarity" in their learning options.
