In the face of continued grilling from the NDP over the York Catholic District School Board's decision not to raise Pride flags, the Ford government is continuing to indicate its reluctance to step into the fray.
During question period today, NDP Leader Marit Stiles asked the premier about YCDSB voting this week not to fly the Pride flag at its headquarters. The decision has garnered national attention and controversy, with politicians of all stripes condemning it.
Premier Doug Ford responded that Pride Month is a vital time to recognize the LGBTQ+ community, and he will take part in the York Pride parade on Newmarket's Main Street again this year. But he fell short of commenting on the YCDSB decision directly.
“School boards have a responsibility to ensure each and every school in Ontario is a safe and inclusive space for all children. I’ll always support Ontario’s LGBTQ+ community,” Ford said. “I look forward again, for my third or fourth year, going down to the York Pride parade. We’re going to go down there. We’re going to celebrate. We’re going to have fun. That’s where I stand. I think the leader of the opposition knows that.”
York Catholic stands apart from other GTA Catholic school boards, including the Toronto Catholic District School Board, which are flying the Pride flag this year. The province requires school boards to provide safety and support to 2SLGBTQIA+ students, including supporting associated clubs, but does not require boards to fly the Pride flag. Education Minister Stephen Lecce issued a memo to boards this week reminding them of those responsibilities, without mentioning Pride flags.
NDP MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam followed up and said the province should take the step to mandate flying of Pride flags.
“Words are important, but only effective when followed by real action,” Wong-Tam said. “What will this Conservative government actually do to protect students? I would offer him one suggestion: He can issue a ministerial directive to the school boards to ensure that the rainbow flags are flown at every single publicly funded school in Ontario.”
Lecce responded that the government has expressed disappointment with the YCDSB decision and expects all publicly funded schools to find meaningful ways to celebrate Pride.
“That is our expectation,” Lecce said. “We stand with these kids, we know they exist.”
When asked about other ways YCDSB will celebrate or recognize Pride, board chair Frank Alexander would not identify any plans during a news conference at the Catholic Education Centre May 30, the day after the denial of the student motion that the flag be raised there.
Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher-Murphy expressed disappointment with the YCDSB decision on social media.
Meanwhile, the federal York Region Liberal caucus, which includes Newmarket-Aurora MP Tony Van Bynen, released a joint statement on the matter today.
“The decision by the York Region Catholic District School Board to not fly the Pride flag in June is disappointing. All students deserve to feel respected, accepted and safe in their schools,” Van Bynen said.
Stiles said she was disappointed Lecce did not bring up raising flags in his memo to schools.
“I was really hoping for more from this government today,” Stiles said.
