Statement on the Near North District School Board and the Passage of Bill 33, Supporting Children and Students Act

November 24, 2025

The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) has become increasingly dysfunctional and appears unable to effectively manage its responsibilities. Its continued inability to follow directives from the Ministry of Education, along with its lack of effort to address the legitimate concerns of parents and students in Parry Sound, is deeply troubling.

It was situations like this, created by the NNDSB’s ongoing mismanagement, that prompted the need for Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act. Our government has taken action to ensure the Minister of Education has the necessary tools to respond to unacceptable breakdowns in school board governance.

Today, I am urging the Minister of Education, Paul Calandra, to appoint a supervisor as quickly as possible to take control of the Near North District School Board.

Furthermore, I believe it is important that those responsible for the current situation in Parry Sound be held accountable, including removal from their roles where appropriate and justified.

I will continue to stand with, and advocate for, the parents, students, and teachers across West Parry Sound who have been affected by the NNDSB’s repeated failures.