Ministerial Mandate Letter - Education and Early Years

Dear Premier,

Please accept this letter as the Department of Education and Early Years’ response to your mandate letter to all Ministers, dated March 3, 2026. 

The Department of Education and Early Years provides strong leadership and oversight to the early years and the French and English K–12 systems. The Department delivers high-quality, inclusive, and student-centered learning experiences, while managing funding, governance, and accountability across schools and education authorities. The Department supports student achievement and well-being through curriculum development, assessment, and evidence-based instructional practices that ensure equitable access to education for diverse populations, including Indigenous learners, and by planning and maintaining an appropriate educational infrastructure. The Department is firmly committed to the early learning and child-care system and recognizes the importance of long-term educational and developmental success. It works to allocate resources responsibly to strengthen literacy, numeracy, and other foundational competencies across the province. 

This letter reflects the Government’s priorities as set out in the Speech from the Throne, with a focus on strengthening learning outcomes, student well being, and system accountability through evidence informed planning and responsible use of public resources.

Specific Actions for the Next 12–18 Months

The Department’s ongoing work and goals include supporting learning throughout early and school-age years by using evidence-based practices and research-informed programs, providing opportunities for Islanders to engage in learning including through our public libraries and archives, and fostering well-being and resilience.  In addition, specific actions over the next 12-18 months will include:   

• Collaborate with education system partners to fully address recommendations of the Student Safety in Island Schools report.
• Strengthen Safe and Caring Schools initiatives, including codes of conduct for staff and students and initiatives to prevent and address bullying and violence in our schools.
• Along with colleagues in Justice and Public Safety, Social Development and Seniors, and the Interministerial Women’s Secretariat, implement the Cyberviolence Prevention Strategy.
• Advance inclusive education initiatives, including hiring an Inclusive Education Manager, reviewing alternative education and educational assistant roles, and reviewing the Special Needs and Intensive Behaviour Intervention Programs to develop a modernized approach to services.
• Maintain Positive Behaviour Intervention and Supports (PBIS) programs and Learning Centres.
• Collaborate with education system partners to improve student engagement and address absenteeism.
• Complete construction at Stratford High School, École Évangéline, East Royalty Elementary, and École François‑Buote and advance capital plans for school construction and revitalization.
• Support recruitment and retention of French First and French Second Language teachers.
• Implement AI training to enhance understanding and capabilities.
• Continue to emphasize collaboration between the early years and K-12 systems to improve transitions and outcomes for children.
• Support and strengthen public library services across the province to ensure equitable access to information, foster lifelong learning, and promote inclusive community spaces. 

As the Minister responsible for the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC), I will also work collaboratively with colleagues to support the review of IRAC.

My Department is committed to advancing these priorities with focus, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility. I look forward to continuing this work in support of government’s objectives and the best interests of Islanders.

Sincerely,

Hon. Robin Croucher