Human Resources Legislative Update
The Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024 Receives Royal Assent
Date: May 21, 2024
As discussed in our February 28, 2024 FTR Now, on February 26, 2024 the Ontario government introduced Bill 166, Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024 (Bill 166). Bill 166 received Royal Assent on May 16, 2024.
Policy Requirements
Bill 166 amends the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act (Act) to require every college of applied arts and technology (College) and publicly assisted university (University) to have a student mental health policy and a policy that describes how the institution will address and combat racism and hate. It also amends the Act to authorize the Minister of Colleges and Universities (Minister) to issue directives in relation to the manner in which the latter must “address and combat racism and hate, including, but not limited to anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia.” These amendments, and related amendments that pertain to compliance and reporting, will come into force on proclamation.
Attendance Costs
Bill 166 also amends the Act to authorize the Minister to issue directives that relate to providing information about the costs associated with College or University attendance. This amendment, and related amendments that pertain to compliance and reporting, are in force as of May 16, 2024.
Should you have any questions about Bill 166, please contact your regular Hicks Morley lawyer.
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