The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

9| The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,M ay 10,2018 theifp.ca Ontario's education minister says she is "pleased and encouraged" the Halton Catholic board has put a pause on a con- troversial policy that limited student fundraising to charities that align with religious values. "It was clear that there were a number of diverse voices in the community who had strong opinions on this motion and really wanted to be heard," Indira Nai- doo-Harris said in an interview. "I'm looking forward to having them consider all of the voices in their community." In February, the board voted in favour of a "Sanctity of Life" motion, meaning it would "not provide or facilitate any fi- nancial donations to any charities or non- profits that publicly support, either di- rectly or indirectly, abortion, contracep- tion, sterilization, euthanasia or embry- onic stem cell research." The lack of public input on the move prompted an outcry from teachers, par- ents and students - who held a number of school walkouts in protest - and even a letter from Naidoo-Harris requesting the pause, which trustees initially rebuffed. However, last Tuesday (May 1), they voted to put the motion on hold until "the completion of community consultations." That means that in the interim, schools and parent councils may again fundraise for the Canadian Cancer Soci- ety, the United Way, for shelters for abused women - all banned under the original policy. "I am really pleased and encouraged that they decided to take that step" to sus- pend the policy, Naidoo-Harris said, add- ing she expects they will "consult with the community in a fulsome and compre- hensive way so that all of those diverse voices are heard, and the policies reflect the voices that they hear." The board is seeking input on the pol- icy until the first of June, and it will be discussed by trustees at a subsequent meeting. Even Premier Kathleen Wynne spoke of the tumult, saying "there are very, very concerned students and teachers in the board." LOCAL Education Minister Indira Naidoo-Harris: "It was clear that there were a number of diverse voices in the community who had strong opinions on this motion and really wanted to be heard." Bernard Weil,Toronto Star Halton Catholic school board suspends controversial fundraising policy KRISTIN RUSHOWY 212 Guelph St. Georgetown, ON • 905.873.1112 Check Online for more specials • bigboyburgerco.com WEDNESDAY : Veal or Chicken Parmesan on a Kaiser $6.99 FRIDAY : 2 - Fish and Chips Dinners $24.99 MONDAY : $6.99 4oz Burger Combo or Veggie Burger Combo BIGBOYBURGERWEEKLY SPECIALS Pulled Pork or Fish on a Kaiser $6.99THURSDAY : Philly Cheesesteak Combo $9.99SATURDAY : 16 Piece Bucket Crispy Fried Chicken $24.99SUNDAY : Burrito or Chicken Shawarma Pita or Chicken Souvlaki Pita or Gyro or Donair TUESDAY : $6.99 AUTHORIZED BY THE CFO FOR THE CAMPAIGN TO RE-ELECT TED ARNOTT Ted Arnott's campaign offices are opening. Please join us and help launch his campaign for re-election. Wellington Campaign Office Open House 152 St. Andrew Street W., Fergus | Friday, May 11th, 5:00 pm Halton Hills Campaign Office Open House 247 Guelph Street (Highway 7), Georgetown Saturday, May 12th, 9:00 am Everyone welcome! 1.866.788.1688 | www.re-electarnott.ca Creating great smiles New Patients Welcome Family and Cosmetic Dentistry marketplace Dental Centre Georgetown Marketplace Mall 905-877-CARE (2273) • www.georgetowndental.com HOURS: Monday & Wednesday 8:00am - 8:00pm • Tuesday & Thursday 8:00am - 6:00pm • Saturday 8:00am - 3:00pm Proudly Serving Georgetown Since 1994.