EQUITY AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

It is the effort to live in a country of peace and prosperity, with laws that are just, with people who are humane, and where citizens of all backgrounds encounter equal opportunities when they set out to realize their potential, contribute to their communities, participate in the Canadian economy, and engage the Canadian political system. (p. 149) As Canadian citizens, we are all engaged in this noble project, which I firmly believe can provide lessons and guidance for the world. As the Minister of Education in the most diverse province in the country, I am responsible to do whatever I can to support and advance the project, and to strive to remove all systemic barriers that impede student achievement and student success. This is why I believe it is critical for us to articulate an equity and inclusive education strategy for Ontario schools. Embracing diversity and moving beyond tolerance to acceptance and respect will help us reach our goal of making Ontario’s education system the most inclusive in the world. We believe – and research confirms – that students who feel welcome and accepted in their schools are more likely to succeed academically. We believe that everyone in our publicly funded education system – regardless of background or personal circumstances – must be welcomed and accepted, and thereby enabled to reach their highest potential