Ontario moves forward with mandatory criminal background checks

12 March 2001 - Education Minister Janet Ecker announced today that criminal background checks for teachers and other school employees will start in September 2001 to improve safety and security in Ontario's classrooms.

"We recognize that the vast majority of teachers and school staff have earned and deserve the respect of their students," said Ecker. "However, mandatory criminal background checks will provide school boards with an additional tool to assist them in creating more secure learning environments."

As part of the Harris government's election commitment to a province-wide Code of Conduct to improve safety within schools, local police services would conduct a one-time criminal background check designed to show all criminal convictions.

About 200,000 employees in schools across Ontario would be affected by these mandatory criminal background checks. Checks would be phased in over two school years, beginning in September 2001 and running to August 2003.

The initiative forms the basis of a new regulation under the Safe Schools Act, 2000. Over the next month the government will solicit input from the Ontario College of Teachers, the Ministry of the Solicitor General and other partners on implementing criminal background checks for September.

According to Ecker, criminal background checks are consistent with practices used in a variety of other professions such as social workers and early childhood education workers. This initiative is intended to establish a province-wide standard, setting out necessary procedures for handling this type of information.

"Parents, teachers and students have told us that safe, secure learning environments are a priority," said Ecker. "This is another key step in fulfilling the government's commitment to make all publicly-funded schools safe, respectful places for learning and teaching."

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