School divisions are increasingly challenged to balance two fundamental obligations: providing an inclusive education environment for all students and ensuring a safe, healthy workplace for staff. These duties can come into tension, particularly when supporting students with complex or high‑risk needs.
Presenter: Yvone Prefontaine, Partner, Employment and Labour, Brownlee LLP
Join Yvon Prefontaine, Partner from Brownlee LLP as we examine this evolving area of organizational risk through the lens of the recent decision New Brunswick Teachers’ Federation v. New Brunswick (2024). This case offers important insights into how inclusion, student rights, and workplace safety intersect—and what this means for school boards navigating similar pressures.
The session will explore:
- Occupational Health and Safety considerations related to supporting students with special needs
- School division responsibilities in mitigating risk while upholding inclusion
- Relevant provisions of the Education Act, including the right to attend school and inclusion obligations
- An overview of the Complex Education Needs Tribunal process
- Practical guidance and governance considerations for boards and senior leaders
This session is designed to help school divisions strengthen decision‑making, reduce risk exposure, and uphold both student rights and staff safety in an increasingly complex educational landscape.
Online via Zoom at no charge for ASBOA members.