P.E.I. child advocate at odds with PSB over consultation on sexual misconduct policy

Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
Date: 2026-09-11 09:00:00.0
Tags: [Prince Edward Island, Education, Public Safety, Justice, Governance]

Prince Edward Island Child and Youth Advocate Marvin Bernstein has launched an official investigation into the Public Schools Branch and the Department of Education and Early Years following the implementation of a new school sexual misconduct policy. The policy, drafted in response to a bill introduced by Green MLA Karla Bernard following the guilty plea of substitute teacher Matthew Craswell, was finalized without incorporating Bernstein's substantive feedback regarding the legal duty to report and investigative clarity. While Public Schools Branch officials maintain that Bernstein declined multiple direct invitations to collaborate on shaping the policy between December 2025 and April 2026, Bernstein contends that the final framework fails to adequately prioritize mandatory reporting to Child Protection Services and the police.