ABOUT THE BOOK
Defending Independent Schools and Home-Schooling in Canada
Surprised by Saskatchewan
When Christopher D. Gerrard returned to his home province in 1981 to teach economics at the University of Saskatchewan, he never imagined becoming the leading defender of independent schools and home-schooling in Saskatchewan.
In this book, he reveals the surprising twists and turns that characterized this journey, from lobbyist to government official, after civic authorities started taxing independent school properties in 1984, making it more difficult for such schools to exist.
Written by the only person who could accurately chronicle how Saskatchewan’s educational system came to accommodate independent schools and home-schooling as legitimate alternatives to public schools in the early 1990s, this book will inspire anyone seeking similar political reforms anywhere.
Whether you are an education reformer, a history enthusiast, or a parent educating children at home, Defending Independent Schools and Home-Schooling in Canada is the encouraging story of a local champion who secured educational choice for families in Saskatchewan.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
It only took a nanosecond for me to determine that Chris Gerrard was the right person to lead an initiative to chart the future of independent schools in Saskatchewan. This book totally validates that decision. His book is an insightful, compelling, and authoritative history of the transformational change he led.
—Hon. Lorne Hepworth
Saskatchewan Minister of Education from November 1986 to October 1989.
Chris Gerrard has provided an accurate, well-researched and comprehensive account of how and when home-based education developed as an accepted option for school-aged children and adolescents in Saskatchewan. The book is a must read for home-school parents, educators, and history buffs wanting to learn about educational choice for families in Saskatchewan and elsewhere.
—Ernie Cychmistruk
Regional Director of Education and Chair of the Advisory
Committee on Home-Based Education, 1991–1992.
Chris Gerrard’s book provides inspiration to anyone trying to bring about change to any of our great government institutions based on freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, or any of the historic civil liberties granted in our democracy. The battle was enormous. He details how an independent school regime was achieved through intelligent, patient and meticulous coordination of legal challenges, collective activism and protest, and powerful political messaging.
—Gilbert Ludwig, KC
Managing attorney at Wilson Laycraft, Calgary,
one of the leading lawyers in Canada in the area of property taxation and assessment.
