Yukon NDP leader calls to scrap public funding for Catholic schools

Yukon NDP Leader Kate White called for the defunding of Catholic education in the territory at the Yukon legislature on Monday, citing a "constant battle" over respecting human rights in schools.

Speaking to reporters after Question Period, White said she was prepared for pushback from Catholics. But she said her position on axing public funding for religious schools is based on fairness, and that no other faith should receive taxpayer support either. 

"They can have a private school and they can do whatever they want in their private school," White said.

"But if they're taking public funds from all of us here as taxpayers, then they have an obligation and responsibility to live up to the policies and the statements from the Department of Education and they aren't."

Catholic schools in the Yukon are public schools. While they have the right to provide religious teachings and lessons on Catholic values, a 1962 agreement between the territory's commissioner and the Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Whitehorse states the schools must follow the Yukon government's laws and policies.

The NDP raised several instances in the legislature where the Department of Education's sexual orientation and gender identity policy (SOGI) was reportedly violated.

Those included a teacher publicly speaking about homophobia she faced at a Holy Family Elementary School council meeting, a St. Francis of Assisi school councillor who opted not to run for re-election and a homophobic textbook that was used at St. Francis of Assisi.

Last month, the principal of Holy Family Elementary School stepped down from her position, alleging the local bishop was interfering with school operations, particularly relating to inclusivity and SOGI policies.

Education Minister Jeanie McLean responded to White's comments by saying her job is to implement the Education Act and the department's policies, reforming inclusive and special education, among other objectives.

She noted the NDP did not include defunding Catholic education in its last election platform, nor either version of the confidence-and-supply agreement the party signed with the governing Liberals.

McLean challenged the party to run on the idea.

"If this is something they feel strongly about, then they should put it into their election platform so that we can have a territory-wide discussion about this issue," McLean said.

"I think that's very important, in terms of our consultation on any major changes to education, that we need to have a full wholesome discussion about that. And maybe that's something that they would want to do as well, I hope. I don't really believe in governing on the fly and I don't think that's how the work of our government should be done at any time."

White said violations of the government's SOGI policy keep happening because the Department of Education has not "stood up" to the Catholic Church. She said the department needs to enforce boundaries related to the operation of schools.

"The church is not supposed to be involved in the day-to-day running of schools. They're not allowed to harass the educators. They're not allowed to harass families there," she said.

McLean defended the work of public servants within the education system and rejected any notion that workers are out to "harm children."

However, McLean did acknowledge "governance challenges" with Catholic schools, namely making sure the diocese understands that it's the Department of Education that sets policies that must be followed.

She said work continues "to ensure all parties have a comprehensive and common understanding of the agreement."