Resources for Education: Human Rights and the Canadian System for Redistribution of Public Funds

Abstract

Incomes and employment are not uniformly distributed; how can it be otherwise for educational opportunities? Three aspects of potential maldistribution are examined here: whether rich Canadians find it necessary or worthwhile to send their children to private schools, whether poverty deprives citizens of educational services or forces them to endure inferior services, and whether the cost of a special educational service required by an individual or group determines if or where it will be available? Private schools are rarely introduced because of poor schools in the public sector. Religious or language goals are typical. Poverty causes self-selection and streaming, but there are tax transfer systems to enable provinces or boards to offer good schools in poor communities. Costs evidently limit special services.