It was 20 years ago this past fall when the Newfoundland/Labrador government passed the Schools Act (1998) that saw the end to the denominational system of education, an article in the 1949 Terms of Union with Canada, in favor of a public system of education. To reflect on the 20th anniversary and what it means for Catholic education in NL as well as for the rest of the country, we chatted with Bonaventure Fagan.

Fagan, who was part of the negotiation team on behalf of Catholic schools in the 1990s, also wrote a book about the entire experience. He’s well versed in the province’s history pertaining to that change in the education system.

So, we reached out to him to reflect on the current school state and what other provinces are doing to ensure Catholic education remains a key element of Canadian society.

Read more: Twenty Years Later: A Reflection on the NL Schools Act

CCSTA applauds the federal government’s plan to keep Section 176 of the Criminal Code in place, as it ensures the protection of religious officials and the freedom to worship peacefully without disturbance.

This decision comes after the Liberal Government introduced Bill C-51, which would clean up wording or any redundant content existing within the Code. For instance, they plan to remove the provisions of setting off a stink bomb or duelling.

Though, a widespread backlash arose when the government decided to repeal section 176 of the Criminal Code, which includes “obstructing or violence to or arrest of officiating clergyman disturbing religious worship or certain meetings.”

This section protects religious freedoms and was used as a grounds to charge a woman earlier this year after she allegedly entered a Church in Ottawa screaming and damaged a statue.

Last week, MPs voted to save the section, though with updated language so it more clearly captures all forms of religious and spiritual services.

Last month, CCSTA Board of Directors met with Conservative Justice Shadow Minister and MP for Niagara Falls Rob Nicholson. He made a statement on Nov. 8 regarding the decision to keep it in place. He received hundreds of emails from Canadians pushing to keep it.

“I am pleased that the Government has heard the calls of Canadians from across our nation and has agreed to keep section 176 in place,” Minister Nicholson said. “The disruption of a religious service is serious and should not be treated as a mere mischief charge. It is a fundamental right that greatly affects all Canadians regardless of whether or not you attend religious services. Today is a victory for all faith communities in Canada.”

CCSTA also supports the government’s decision to maintain Section 176.

“To give a judge the ability to refer to a section of the Criminal Code that allows for the protection of clergy is an important element to religious freedom in Canada,” says CCSTA Executive Director Julian Hanlon. “We applaud the government for ensuring the protective rights of Canadians.”

CCSTA is thrilled to welcome new members to our Board of Directors. Combined, these directors have decades of experience in the educational and trustee fields, and their experience is a welcomed addition to the Board.

Here are the stories behind those who have come abroad to serve on our Board:

Paula Scott (Saskatchewan)

Paula became a trustee with Lloydminster Catholic School Division in October, 2007. After a few years as a trustee, she became Chair of Lloydminster Catholic School Division. In 2013, Paula was elected Vice-President of the Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association, then President in 2015. 

Having been a teacher for 10 years, Paula wanted to continue her involvement in education while raising their children. Being a Catholic Trustee has given her opportunities to grow in faith and develop new skills.

Paula is humbled and honoured to serve as the Saskatchewan representative on the CCSTA board. She lives with her husband of 20 years and two teenage sons in Lloydminster, AB. 

Langis Dion (Ontario – FR)

Langis Dion’s background in the trustee and religious fields has made him a valued member of the CCSTA Board of Directors.

Since 2002, he’s worked as the Financial Administrator for the Timmins’ Diocese. Before then, he worked in the banking and architectural industries.

In 2008, he was elected as a school board trustee, and is now President of the Conseil scolaire catholique de district des Grandes Rivières. He is also a member of the Board of Directors at the Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC).

Among his many endeavours, Langis worked for 17 years as a volunteer for the Scouts movement, until he became Provincial President of the Fédération des scouts de l’Ontario. He was a member of the Collège Boréal’s Board of Directors from 2005 to 2011.

As an actively involved member of his community, he is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Horizon Timmins Palliative Care.

Langis has been married to his wife Nicole for 40 years and together they have three children and three grandchildren.