Bill That Would Ban Using ‘Reasonable Force’ to Discipline Kids Puts Teachers at Risk of Assault Charges: Teachers Union

Bill That Would Ban Using ‘Reasonable Force’ to Discipline Kids Puts Teachers at Risk of Assault Charges: Teachers Union
NDP member of Parliament Peter Julian rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Feb. 3, 2023. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
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Teacher unions have expressed opposition to a proposed piece of legislation that would ban “reasonable force” to discipline children, saying that any physical interaction from teachers could lead to assault charges.

President of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation Heidi Yetman told the House of Commons Justice Committee April 15 she is fearful the proposed reforms made by the NDP would put teachers at risk of criminal charges and make classrooms less safe.