The Ontario government is asserting veto rights for school names through a proposed amendment to the provincial Education Act. That would come with guidelines for school boards and a requirement that they receive Ministerial approval before naming a new school or renaming an existing one.

The measure is part of package of legislation in the newly introduced Bill 33, which includes several amendments that underscore the Ontario government’s authority in administering various aspects of schools, colleges and universities, and child, youth and family services. The proposed amendments to the Education Act would impose new directives for school board oversight and operational compliance.

That includes the Minister of Education’s entitlement to approve, reject or set conditions related to school names. As proposed, school boards will have submit their choices for approval. If a name is rejected, existing schools must continue to be known under their current monikers, or new schools must temporarily be identified by their street addresses until an alternative name is approved.