Sask. government failed to properly record, investigate complaints about independent schools, says ombudsman

The Saskatchewan government failed to properly track and investigate complaints about abuse and other wrongdoing in the province's independent schools, according to a report obtained by CBC News.

"The way it makes me feel is horrified and quite upset. As a taxpayer, I would just be livid. And as a parent, I would be worried about my kids in these schools," said Stefanie Hutchinson, a former student of Saskatoon's Legacy Christian Academy.

Hutchinson is one of dozens of former Legacy students who say they were abused by officials. They took their complaints to police, and have filed a proposed $25-million class action lawsuit.

They also demanded action from the Saskatchewan government, which oversees these independent schools. But according to a recent report from Saskatchewan Ombudsman Sharon Pratchler, those complaints were not tracked or investigated properly.

Pratchler said the Ministry of Education admitted it "lacked reporting and investigation guidelines for addressing complaints related to registered independent schools."

In an interview, Pratchler said any complaint that "involves individuals and personal dignity or safety" is "always high on the spectrum of things that need attention."

Hutchinson said she's disgusted the government continued to fund these schools while turning a blind eye to abuse.

"The fact that the government can throw money at these institutions while missing things as significant as complaints about child safety is really astonishing," Hutchinson said.

Opposition NDP education critic Matt Love agreed.

"It's evidence they failed these students," Love said.

"They failed these students and their families by knowingly turning a blind eye to these independent schools. I asked the minister in question period, 'What are these independent schools independent from?' The fact is these independent schools have been independent from public accountability, government oversight, from Day 1."

On Thursday, Education Minister Dustin Duncan said he appreciates the work that Pratchler had done. 

"The changes we made, both last fall and this spring, reflect that we would agree that we needed better processes in place," Duncan said. 

The education minister was referencing changes made to two pieces of legislation — the Registered Independent Schools Regulations and the Education Funding Regulations. 

The modifications mean independent schools are required to have an an attendance policy, an extracurricular policy, a policy for parent complaints and grievances and an administrative policy handbook.

Starting with the 2024-25 school year, independent schools "must be registered as a separate non-profit organization from any parent organization," such as a church. 

In order to encourage people coming forward if there is an issue with the principal, the principal of an independent school will not be allowed to be a member of the school's board of directors.

The schools must also ensure that teachers are licensed and that staff listings on the school's website match the role the staff member is licensed for. Schools are also required to have at least one teacher for every 40 students.

Duncan has previously said that any school that doesn't follow the new regulations will be put on probation until it reaches compliance, and would have its certificate revoked for any "serious violations."

In an email, a Ministry of Education official said it "welcomes the opportunity to work in collaboration with the Saskatchewan ombudsman in implementing and improving processes that promote the well-being of all Saskatchewan students and ensure their right to safe schools and quality education."

Pratchler outlined requirements for a proper complains system, such as independence and communication. She said she expects her recommendations will be followed.

Former Legacy student Caitlin Erickson isn't as confident.

"I'm not really so sure," she said. "It shouldn't take a group of abused students bringing all the holes in the Ministry of Education to light and how under-regulated all of the independent schools are."

WATCH | Ombudsman says Sask. government failed to properly investigate complaints about independent schools: 

Sask. government failed to properly investigate complaints about independent schools: ombudsman

1 year ago

Duration 2:10

The Saskatchewan government failed to properly track and investigate complaints about abuse and other wrongdoing in the province's independent schools, according to a report obtained by CBC News.