The MLA for Peace River North has introduced a new bill in the BC Legislature on Thursday morning aimed at making schools safer across the province.
MLA Jordan Kealy tabled the School Amendment Act, 2026, which would establish controlled entry points at school buildings during school hours.
“After the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, it reminded us that the safety of our schools cannot be taken for granted,” Kealy said Thursday. “No parent should worry that someone could simply walk into their child’s school without oversight while students are in classrooms trying to learn.”
Kealy says the controlled entry systems would ensure visitors are monitored before accessing students and staff inside the building.
He says many schools across BC already use a similar system, adding the bill would ensure the same level of protection is consistent throughout the province.
The North Peace MLA says controlled entry points create a moment of pause. “In an emergency, even those few minutes can matter.”
He notes that controlled entry systems are already a safeguard in other public places, including government buildings.
Kealy says the message from Tumbler Ridge residents has been clear: “No one should be able to access children during the school day without permission.”
The bill will now move to second reading for debate in the BC Legislature.
-Noah Abel
Add comment
Comments