Bill 35 explained in plain English

This Act amends the Education Act to require the inclusion of specific equity education topics in the curriculum from junior kindergarten to Grade 12, establishes an Education Equity Secretariat Initiatives Branch, and mandates annual reporting from school boards to this branch.

Bill 35, also known as the Equity Education for Young Ontarians Act, 2021, amends the Education Act in Ontario. It mandates that the curriculum for junior kindergarten through Grade 12 must include age-appropriate information on topics such as the history of colonization and its impact on Indigenous and racialized people, ongoing racial and social inequities in Ontario, and how students can contribute to an inclusive society. The Minister of Education is required to consult with relevant non-governmental organizations and groups representing Black, Indigenous, or racialized Ontarians when developing these curriculum guidelines. The Minister must also provide training and support to teachers and staff on these topics. Additionally, the bill establishes an administrative division within the Ministry of Education called the Education Equity Secretariat Initiatives Branch. School boards are required to submit annual reports to the director of this branch detailing systemic barriers, equity and human rights issues affecting students and staff, and measures taken to improve diversity and equity. The director of the branch will then make recommendations to the Minister based on these reports. This Act came into effect three months after receiving Royal Assent.