Alberta launches review after child disciplined with machine belt at religious school

Alberta's Education Minister, Demetrios Nicolaides, has announced a review into a case where a young boy was disciplined with a machine belt at a private religious school. The incident, which left the child with bruising, has prompted an investigation and charges against a school supervisor.

"The safety and well-being of students is my top priority," Nicolaides stated in an email. Fort Vermilion RCMP charged a woman, identified as a supervisor at a northwestern Alberta school, with assault with a weapon after a parent reported the incident on May 20. The child sustained red marks on his thigh from the discipline, described as using a "strap."

“

The safety and well-being of students is my top priority.

Police discovered a machine belt, distinct from a typical clothing belt, during a search of a school in mid-June. The investigation revealed that the practice of physical discipline using "the strap" was employed at three private religious schools in the La Crete area: Blumenort Mennonite School, Wilson Prairie Mennonite School, and Tompkins Mennonite School. The student involved attended one of these schools, though the specific institution was not disclosed to protect privacy.

Parents reportedly consented to this disciplinary method through a collective constitution they signed. However, the educators are considered adult supervisors, not accredited teachers. Alberta's Education Act allows registered independent schools to operate without certificated teachers or adherence to provincial study programs, provided they submit their disciplinary rules, which must align with fundamental justice principles. The education minister has the authority to investigate and potentially close schools that fail to comply with provincial regulations. Cpl. Mathew Howell confirmed that no other assault allegations have surfaced, but the school community has been advised on what constitutes a Criminal Code violation.

“

Should more victims come forward, we will open another investigation.