In Saskatchewan and Alberta the form of government and administration is quite similar to that of Ontario. In British Columbia the council of public instruction is composed of the executive council, and the work under its direc tion is carried on by a superintendent of educa tion. Recently steps have been taken looking toward closer co-operation among the four western provinces in all matters pertaining to elementary and secondary education and educa tion of defectives.
Local Though the govern ing bodies just mentioned regulate education as 'regards the organization, government, examina tion and inspection of schools, the certification and training of teachers, the authorization of textbooks and other matters of like importance, Yet much power is given in most of the prov inces to local school boards. Each district selects its own teacher, but must not take any one who has not a certificate to teach in the province. Within limits each district erects the building it considers most suitable under the circumstances and equips it as it may desire. There is wise supervision in matters of this kind to prevent undue expenditure and to guard against overcrowding of pupils, unsanitary con ditions and lack of apparatus. In British Co lumbia the council of public instruction is su preme in all matters, virtually doing away with district control, except in the selection of teacher. In certain districts in Manitoba and Alberta the settlers are non-English and in some cases are not well enough acquainted with Canadian ways to organize and administer their own schools. A public trustee is appointed by the government to act in such cases, with the result that the schools and teachers' resi dences in these districts are fast becoming quite asgood as any in the country.
The Religious The constitu tion of the governing bodies in education indi cates that there has been difficulty in establish ing and administering school systems because of the conflicting religious beliefs of the people. A closer examination emphasizes this fact. In Quebec there are two systems of schools—one for Roman Catholics, one for Protestants. In Ontario there is a system of separate schools. In Manitoba, which until 1890 had Protestant schools and Roman Catholic schools, there is now but one system. There are in the province many schools conducted by religious com munities. Some of these have regularly quali fied teachers and are ranked as ordinary state schools, receiving a share of the legislative grant. In Winnipeg, and at other points, the 'Roman Catholic ratepayers support, at their own expense, an independent system of schools.
In Alberta and Saskatchewan there is provision made for separate schools, but all schools fol low the same program of studies, are under the same inspection and teachers must qualify in the same way. In Nova Scotia, British Co lumbia and Prince Edward Island the schools are strictly nonrsecutrian. The complaints arising from changes made in the school acts, especially in Manitoba, have led to prolonged controversies and interesting court decisions.
Religious Exercises and Religious Teach Closely connected with the separate school question is that of religious teaching and religious exercises. In British Columbia, schools must be conducted on strictly secular and non-sectarian principles. No religious dogma or creed shall be taught. The Lord's Prayer may be used in opening or closing school. No clergyman of any denomination shall be eligible for the position of superintend ent, teacher or trustee. In Manitoba, schools may close with the reading of the Bible with out comment and the recitation of the Lord's Prayer, and it is possible for clergymen or their appointee half an hour before closing to give religious teaching to those of their own denomination. In Ontario every public school shall be opened with the Lord's Prayer and closed with the reading of Scriptures and the Lord's Prayer, or the prayer authorized by the department of education. Teachers who have conscientious scruples in this matter may be re lieved. Attendance during religious exercises is not compulsory. Religious teaching may be given by the clergy or their representatives after the regular hours of school. In Quebec, in the Roman Catholic sclthols, there is daily prayer and systematic daily instruction in the catechism. In Protestant schools the first half hour is devoted to prayer, Scripture reading, in struction in morals and Scripture history. No denominational teaching may be given. A con science clause is operative. In New Brunswick the teacher may open and close the school by the reading of Scripture and by offering the Lord's Prayer. In Prince Edward Island the school is opened with Scripture reading, but no comment or explanation is permitted. In Nova Scotia the law is practically the same as for the last two provinces, local option being permitted. In Saskatchewan and Alberta the school may be opened by recitation of the Lord's Prayer. Religious instruction may be given during the last half hour of the day, but attendance is not compulsory for pupils.