Ontario makes black history mandatory in history classes

Ontario's education minister says the province is introducing mandatory teaching about the contributions of black Canadians to history courses in grades 7, 8 and 10.

Steven Lecce says black history is Canadian history and including it as a mandatory part of the curriculum will ensure the next generation has a better appreciation for the sacrifices and commitments made by black Canadians.

The province will begin consultations with historians, educators and the black community to develop additions to the curriculum to be implemented in September 2025.

Patrice Barnes, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister for Education, spearheaded the curriculum change and said she wanted to deepen students' understanding of the country's diverse and vibrant heritage.

Lecce recently announced a new “back-to-basics” curriculum in kindergarten, new mandatory high school education about the Holodomor famine, and expanded Holocaust teachings.

Also, the government introduced new mathematics, language, and science and technology curricula.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on February 8, 2024.