Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The standing committee engaged in extensive discussions on the issue of religion and spirituality in schools. By way of introduction to what is proposed in the draft act, the following is taken from the explanatory notes in the discussion paper:

"The current act provides that the school day may begin with the Lord's Prayer and provides for the delivery of religious instruction in public schools. These provisions were enacted before the Canadian Charter of rights and Freedoms became law in 1982, and should be considered now in light of the Charter.

"The draft act is proposing that teachers may make statements about spiritual or religious values or beliefs, if required to explain an aspect of a subject or a world view. The draft says teachers can make such statements providing that the statement is made in a manner that is respectful of the spiritual or religious values or beliefs of all the students.

"The draft act also says that a public denominational school may provide religious instruction up to 150 minutes a week, and may conduct religious exercises. It says that the religious instruction and exercises shall be provided in a manner that is respectful of the spiritual or religious values or beliefs of all the students."

Issues: Although the Charter does not permit religious instruction in a particular faith or denomination in public schools, committee Members felt that something should be done in schools to recognize the spirituality of our existence and which reminds us that we are human beings and we should be respectful of the values and beliefs of others.

The committee suggested that the department come up with some inclusive way to recognize spirituality that is respectful of all religions. A possibility suggested by Members was to allow some sort of universal expression of spirituality and goodwill that offends no one, yet recognizes a power greater than ourselves.

Further discussions progressed to the point where committee Members were clearly uncomfortable with the elimination of religious instruction in public schools. It was felt that such instruction imparted basic values and respect for others to our children, and should be allowed.