OAPCE

February 20, 2026 Dear Honorable Minister Calandra, As parents of children in Ontario’s Catholic education system, we are writing to ensure you are aware of the important work of the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE). For 87 years, OAPCE has brought together parents from every corner of the province, supporting families as they navigate the education system in the best interests of our children. Under the Ontario Education Act and Ontario Regulation 612/00, School Councils are established “through the active participation of parents, to improve pupil achievement and to enhance the accountability of the education system to parents” (s. 2(1)). Regulation 612/00 further prescribes the composition of School Councils. Section 3(1)8 specifically provides that a School Council shall include “one person appointed by an association that is a member of… the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education…, if the association … is established in respect of the school.” This clause explicitly recognizes OAPCE within the legislative framework governing Catholic School Councils in Ontario and establishes a structural link between local councils and the provincial Catholic parent association. OAPCE provides a strong and unified parent voice at the provincial level, while also equipping parents locally with the tools and knowledge needed to engage meaningfully in their children’s schools. They help us better understand school governance, board structures, and policies that directly impact our families. Most importantly, OAPCE offers timely information, practical guidance, and support when questions or concerns arise regarding our children’s education. In what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming system, OAPCE ensures that parents are not navigating it alone. At its heart, OAPCE is about connection—parents supporting parents. It is this spirit of collaboration and shared commitment to Catholic education that continues to unite and strengthen us across the province. In past years, OAPCE enjoyed a close working relationship with your predecessor, Minister Lecce, and his office. Minister Lecce actively engaged OAPCE in a number of Government working groups, including PPM 128, the Cellphone and Vaping Ban in Ontario’s schools. OAPCE also presented at the Bill 98 Committee in support of the government bill. OAPCE kept us informed of these important initiatives and their potential impacts on our children. We hope those appointed by your office to supervise school boards, have an understanding of OAPCE as a not-for-profit parent support association removed from any governance issues. OAPCE has expressed a commitment to work with the Government to explore different funding models to advance its mandate to engage parents if that becomes an issue. With the province’s new direction toward restoring accountability, OAPCE has advised many of us in regions (some currently under supervision) that membership fees have been discontinued. When membership fees are discontinued and OAPCE is no longer “established in respect of the school,” the provision in Section 3(1)8 of Regulation 612/00 cannot be realized in practice. As a result, parents in some of the largest school boards are now without the provincial representation contemplated within the regulatory framework. As a result, parents in some of the largest school boards are now without independent and unbiased provincial representation. This development is deeply concerning, as it limits our ability to ensure that the parent voice remains present, informed, and engaged at both the board and provincial levels. In 2026, as parents of children in Ontario’s Catholic education system, we respectfully hope we can count on you and your Ministry to continue supporting parental choice. Specifically, we ask that school boards remit membership fees to the association that has faithfully represented and amplified the parent voice for the past 87 years—particularly in cases where some boards have chosen not to do so. Remitting these fees would allow OAPCE to remain established in respect of schools across the province and would uphold the intent of the Education Act and Regulation 612/00 regarding structured parent involvement. Ensuring this support would help preserve meaningful parent representation and uphold the longstanding partnership between families, schools, and the broader Catholic education community. Please note that OAPCE is also in the Ministry document “Your child’s education: a parent guide to our school system” in which they are mentioned in “Learn About Provincial Parent Organizations..”. We ask that you please respond to the requests that OAPCE has sent out to you to discuss this and other pertinent issues that parents voice to them. We are confident in the advocacy work that they have done, and continue to do, for parents in Catholic Education. We pray for a renewed positive and open working relationship between your office and OAPCE. Yours Truly,Ontario’s Parents of Children in Catholic Education.

OAPCE invites parents and guardians from all regions across Ontario to join us for a special online evening presentation with regional leaders and Directors. This province-wide gathering includes communities across Ontario, including Dufferin-Peel, Halton, and more. Event Details Date: Thursday, February 19Time: 7:00 PMLocation: Online via ZoomAudience: All Regions Guest Speaker Anne Jamieson, D. Min.Leading in Hope: A Parent’s Gift in Challenging Times Description:The Holy Doors for the Jubilee Year have been closed, but the hope we were meant to focus on is still on the horizon and needed now more than ever in these challenging times. Join us for a reflection as we begin the Lenten journey and consider how parents can be leaders in hope. Zoom access details will be shared closer to the event date. We look forward to welcoming parents and guardians from across the province for this important evening of reflection and connection. The OAPCE TeamOntario Association of Parents in Catholic Education

The 87th Annual Conference is now open for registration! Join Catholic Parents, Educators, Clergy and Catholic partners on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Secondary School (50 Bristol Road West, Mississauga) for a full day of inspiration, learning, and faith-filled community. 🗓 April 18, 2026⏰ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM📍 St. Francis Xavier Secondary School, Mississauga Conference Theme: Being a Genuine Shepherd in an AI World As technology and artificial intelligence continue to shape our children’s lives, this year’s conference will focus on how parents and educators can lead with faith, wisdom, and authenticity in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Featured Speakers Special Message We are honoured to welcome a special message from Bishop Yvan Mathieu, OAPCE Liaison Bishop. What to Expect This year’s event is proudly hosted in partnership with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. Whether you are a parent, school council member, educator, or parish representative, this conference will equip and encourage you to confidently support Catholic education in today’s world. Register today and secure your spot — we look forward to welcoming you! 🎟 Register today:

Being a Genuine Shepherd in an AI World The Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education invites parents, educators, and community members to join us for the 87th Annual OAPCE Conference on Saturday, April 18, 2026. This year’s theme, “Being a Genuine Shepherd in an AI World,” explores how we can faithfully guide and support our children in an increasingly digital environment. The Conference will bring together Catholic education leaders, families, and community partners for a meaningful day of reflection, learning, and connection. Event Details Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMLocation: St. Francis Xavier Secondary SchoolDufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board50 Bristol Road West, Mississauga, Ontario L5R 3K3 The program includes Mass, keynote presentations, and a Resource Fair. Featured Speakers We look forward to welcoming families and education partners from across Ontario for a day dedicated to strengthening Catholic education in our communities.

Concerns Over Bill C-9 and Religious Freedom Canada’s Bill C-9 has raised serious concerns among Catholic leaders and parents, who warn it could undermine Catholic education and erode constitutionally protected religious freedoms. Critics argue the bill sets a troubling precedent by pressuring faith-based institutions to conform to government ideology at the expense of conscience rights, parental authority, and the long-standing role of Catholic schools in Canada’s education system. Catholics and all Canadians who value religious freedom are urged to contact their Members of Parliament, stay informed, and speak out to defend parental rights and faith-based education.