In Ontario, our legal system has determined that, "The standard of care owed to a pupil by a board of education and its employees is that of a careful or prudent parent in the circumstances. The duty of care is to protect the pupil from all reasonable foreseeable risks of harm, that is, to avoid acts or omissions that can reasonably be foreseen as likely to injure a pupil in the care of the board". (1)

The legal obligation for duty of care owed to students in the care of School Council or CPTA volunteers appears to be as onerous as those imposed on school boards. Catholic School Councils and CPTA's require liability insurance protection for actions including protection for volunteers and parents/guardians. Liability insurance provides a defense in the event of a lawsuit resulting from a negligent action on the part of the school council, CPTA or a volunteer parent/guardian acting on behalf of, or under their direction.

The OAPCE has organized an insurance program through LOMBARD Canada and LMS PROLINK Insurance Brokers which provides insurance protection up to a limit of $1,000,000 for Catholic School Councils, or CPTA's and their Parent/Guardians and volunteers.

The OAPCE Liability Policy Explained

The Lombard Canada insurance policy is affected on a calendar year term from December 31st of each year in accordance with the OAPCE fiscal year. Coverage offered includes $1,000,000 Commercial General Liability coverage. Learn more.
Application Form

All questions related to the operation of the insurance program, enrollment, and payment are handled directly by LMS PROLINK Ltd. Policies are issued on a certificate basis from the master policy and controlled by LMS PROLINK Ltd. Copies of the policy and details will be available directly from LMS PROLINK Ltd.

Please contact David Taylor at davidt@lms.ca or 416-644-7736 with your inquiries.

(1) Understanding Your Legal Obligations: School Boards & Educators

For further information, contact