‘Evolving global context’: School boards across Canada cancel, tweak field trips

Edmonton Public Schools has cancelled all international excursions for the upcoming school year, including trips to Thailand, France, the United Kingdom, Costa Rica and Portugal. The cancellation follows a recent field trip where students faced civil unrest in an unspecified country. Superintendent Rob Thompson cited global fuel shortages, public health concerns and military conflict as reasons for the decision.

Other school boards, such as the Vancouver School Board and Calgary Catholic School District, are approving field trips on a case-by-case basis, while the Louis Riel School Board in Winnipeg has cancelled trips to the United States since last October due to a travel advisory. Experts note that international trips are complex and that virtual alternatives can be used.

Some schools are opting for domestic trips instead, but the process has become more complicated due to cost of living and paperwork requirements.