Fredericton mother files human rights complaint over lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in schools

A Fredericton mother has filed a complaint with the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission on behalf of her 12-year-old son with disabilities over the province's decision to lift COVID-19 mask and isolation requirements in schools.

Jessica Bleasdale says New Brunswick has an inclusive education policy, which stipulates accommodations should be made to ensure all children can participate in the classroom.

She contends River, who has a neurodevelopmental disability, cannot safely participate without the protection of universal masking and a policy requiring COVID-positive people to stay home.

He has to work in close proximity to his aides and has other conditions that could put him at risk of further complications and learning deficits if he contracts the virus, Bleasdale said.

She pointed to a new study by an international team of researchers that found one in four children with COVID-19 develop long COVID, including cognitive symptoms, such as impaired concentration, learning difficulties, confusion and memory loss. The study, which has not been peer-reviewed, looked at the status of more than 80,000 children with COVID-19 on four continents.  

"My son already doesn't get the health care and education supports that he needs," Bleasdale said.

"To place him in an environment where he could contract COVID because kids are attending school with COVID and not wearing masks, that puts my son at too high of a risk."

It's a risk Bleasdale is not willing to take.

"So I am asking the education minister to uphold the inclusion policy, for which New Brunswick is internationally recognized, and ensure that universal masking takes place so a child like mine — and every other child with disabilities in New Brunswick — is supported and protected in the classroom."

She noted politicians in the legislature are still protected by mask rules, and she questioned why children are not being provided the same protections, particularly the most vulnerable ones.

Bleasdale filed her complaint Wednesday against Premier Blaine Higgs, Health Minister Dorothy Shephard, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell and Education Minister Dominic Cardy.

Earlier this month she filed a complaint against Russell with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick, arguing the province's top doctor has provided no medical evidence or scientific data to support her recommendation to lift mandatory masking, particularly in schools. Bleasdale alleges the decision will cause the "reckless endangerment" of children and people with disabilities, among others.

The Premier's Office and Department of Health did not respond to a request for comment.

The Department of Education has not received formal notification of a complaint from the Human Rights Commission, said spokesperson Flavio Nienow. "As such, it would be inappropriate to comment," he said in an emailed statement.