Cannot Enroll My Son in Kindergarten?

Hello!
So I am faced with an interesting situation:

I am a Canadian citizen who just returned with her kids to Canada.

My kids are French citizens. I will begin the process of sponsoring my family in September when my husband joins us, but I need to enroll my son in kindergarten in September.

The school refused, saying that he needs to be either Canadian or a PR. My understanding is that if one parent is a Canadian, then the child has the right to an education.

The person I spoke with from IRCC over the phone said I can extend his visitor visa status online… But he has an ETA so I have no idea how to do this.

I feel so bothered by this flawed system where no one seems to be able to give me a straight answer.
Can the French school board deny my son?

We’re based in Windsor, ON and the school board is Providence.

Thank you for your help!
Deena

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be concerned and frustrated about this situation.

You can find some information on the Ministry of Education website in the Who is entitled to French-language education in Ontario? (“Rights holders”) section. Here is an excerpt,

In terms of who can attend school in general, you can find some information on the Ministry of Education website in the Policy/Program Memorandum section. Here is an excerpt,

You may want to contact the Ministry of Education for some additional information and to find out if they can provide you with some detailed information regarding your options in this type of situation.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org