NDP MPPs call for an investigation following incident at James Cardinal McGuigan

QUEEN'S PARK — Official Opposition NDP Education Critic Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West—Nepean) and MPP Tom Rakocevic (Humber River—Black Creek) are echoing calls for a thorough investigation into the recent media reports of a serious and troubling incident of anti-Black racism at James Cardinal McGuigan:

“The seriousness of these allegations warrants an immediate investigation into actions that threaten the safety of students, especially Black and racialized students,” said Rakocevic.

“This echoes calls made by many concerned parents and community members who are demanding accountability after allegations were revealed. We also call on them to provide students, parents, workers, and community members who have been harmed with trauma-informed support.”

“This all comes after the Minister of Education seized control of the local school board and removed democratically elected trustees,” said Pasma. “Replacing them with a handpicked supervisor who earns $350,000 a year, despite having no experience in education. The absence of trustees has reduced local oversight and left families with fewer avenues for support and guidance.

“The Minister of Education and his supervisor should move swiftly to launch an investigation and provide transparency and accountability to the community regarding what happened, the delayed response, and what steps will be taken to ensure this does not happen again.

“Our students deserve to learn in schools that are safe from all forms of discrimination and harm.”

This incident underscores the urgency for the Ministry of Education to address and respond to the March 2025 Ontario Human Rights Commission Report, Dreams Delayed, that outlines anti-Black racism within the education system.