An Alberta home school group has filed an injunction to stop its closure.
In Trinity Christian School Association’s injunction, it called Education Minister David Eggen’s decision to shut down the association “unreasonable.” It also said the decision “violates the principles of natural justice and is contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The Cold Lake private school said Eggen made the decision without any notice to Trinity. Students and staff didn’t find out about the closure until representatives informed them by “thrusting” envelopes at students after school, according to the injunction.
READ MORE: Alberta government shuts down Cold Lake private school; province says insufficient accountability
Trinity claims students felt bullied by the “offensive” and “aggressive” representatives.
The province pulled the home school group’s funding after a three-year audit found financial and conflict of interest concerns. The association oversees 3,500 home-schooled students and 13 students who learn in a classroom.
READ MORE: Alberta education minister defends school shutdown as parents voice concerns
Eggen said his decision was based on how public money was spent.
“It is very important that public money is dealt with according to the law and according to proper accounting practices,” explained Eggen.
“We worked very hard and long to look for how the money was being spent and we found serious flaws.”
The province said parents can register their children with other schools.
With files from 630 CHED
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