HAMILTON, ON: The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announces a significant victory for transparency as two school authorities back away from recording bans at public meetings. Following a legal warning from lawyers funded by the Justice Centre, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (Board) clarified that it was not responsible for a school council’s recording ban. Then, at its November 12, 2025, public meeting, Ancaster High School Council Chair Roxanne Dunmore confirmed that the council had lifted its recording ban.
Constitutional lawyer Hatim Kheir said, “We are doubly pleased that the Board is not attempting to interfere in school council affairs by imposing a recording ban and that the Ancaster High School Council has reversed course. This increases transparency and accessibility for all parents with students attending the school.”
This clarification marks the latest chapter in an ongoing dispute between parent and elected school council member Catherine Kronas after multiple attempts to ban recordings of public meetings in which she participates as an elected member.
Ms. Kronas said, “I’m pleased that the Ancaster High School Council upheld transparency by reversing its recording ban. The ability to document public meetings accurately is what ensures transparency and builds confidence between parents, schools, and the broader community.”
“This is an important victory made possible thanks to the generous support and legal guidance funded by the Justice Centre,” she added.
Ms. Kronas, a parent at Ancaster High Secondary School, was suspended from the council in May 2025 after she respectfully asked that her objection to land acknowledgements be noted in the meeting minutes. Lawyers funded by the Justice Centre issued a legal warning, asserting that her suspension violated her Charter-protected right to freedom of expression. The Board quickly reinstated Ms. Kronas following the legal warning, marking the first of several retreats from unlawful restrictions.
