CONTENT WARNING: The following article discusses topics related to suicide and abuse allegations.
A group of approximately twenty former students from Robert Land Academy gathered at Queen’s Park in Toronto to advocate for stricter regulation of private schools in Ontario amid allegations of abuse at the now-closed military-style institution.
This call for change follows an investigative report by CBC News that uncovered historical accounts of physical and emotional abuse, including instances of sexual exploitation, at the Wellandport-based private school.
Investigations revealed that some instructors employed at Robert Land Academy during the 1990s and early 2000s had prior criminal convictions.
During a press conference, Chandra Pasma, a member of the provincial parliament and the NDP’s education critic, emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent institutional abuse under the guise of education.
At Queen’s Park Thursday, the education critic says she’s preparing a private member’s bill to introduce this fall. If passed, it would require private school staff to pass vulnerable sector checks.
Demand for Increased Oversight of Private Schools in Ontario
Former students argue that their experiences underscore the necessity for greater government oversight of private school operations in Ontario.
In contrast to public schools, private school staff are not mandated to undergo thorough vulnerable-sector background checks to flag previous criminal charges.
Robert Land Academy ceased operations in June and declared bankruptcy, while 120 former students have initiated legal actions to address the alleged abuse they claim to have endured primarily during the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, extending into the 2010s.
It is important to note that these allegations have not been validated in court.
Jarett Holmes, along with his brother Evan, attended Robert Land Academy in 1999 at the age of 14 and recounted being isolated from each other, subjected to physical abuse, forced labor, and restricted communication with their parents.
Jarett emphasized the need for stringent regulations for individuals working with children, especially vulnerable youth, stressing that child safety should transcend political divides.
Efforts to meet with Education Minister Paul Calandra by former students have been unsuccessful, as they await a response from the minister.
In an email response, the minister’s press secretary, Emma Testani, highlighted the province’s limited oversight role on private schools, focusing on those seeking high school accreditation, and advised individuals with abuse or criminal complaints to contact law enforcement.
“The reported incidents are deeply troubling,” Testani stated. “Every student in Ontario deserves protection, respect, and a safe learning environment built on trust.”
