Free Lunch Hour Supervision for Nova Scotia Students

Public school students across Nova Scotia will be entitled to free lunch-hour supervision under legislation introduced by the government today, Nov. 6.

Education Minister Karen Casey introduced an amendment to the Education Act that will prohibit school boards from charging families a fee for students who walk to school, but who wish to stay at school during lunchtime.

The legislation, if passed, will come into effect Sept. 1, 2009.

"This is an issue of concern to many parents," said Ms. Casey. "I believe lunch fees are an unreasonable burden to place on families. If children wish to stay at school for lunch they should not have to pay."

Most boards cover the full cost of providing lunchtime supervision.

Ms. Casey said it is important to have policy and practices on lunch supervision that are consistent across the province.

The legislation also expands Mi'kmaq representation to all regional school boards. Currently, Mi'kmaq band councils must have a tuition agreement to have representation on a board.

The minister also introduced two housekeeping amendments, including one that removes references to the now non-existent Southwest regional school board.

The other clarifies the minister's authority to ensure school boards only undertake activities that are complementary to the provision of education programs.

"A school board cannot become involved in commercial activities that are beyond its powers under the Education Act, and that needs to be stated more clearly so there is no ambiguity or misinterpretation," said Ms. Casey.