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Education Minister Announces $300-$3,000 Truancy Fines for Parents

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Education Minister Seymour announced the attendance prosecution unit, created last year, is now prosecuting parents for truancy.
Fines are $300 for a first offence and $3,000 for a second or subsequent offence.
The ministry reported the most recent truancy prosecution occurred in 2022, following earlier cases in 2019.
The ministry will not prosecute parents whose children are genuinely attending school or are absent due to chronic illness or disability.

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Story summary

Education Minister Seymour announced the attendance prosecution unit, created last year, is now prosecuting parents for truancy.
Fines are $300 for a first offence and $3,000 for a second or subsequent offence.
The ministry reported the most recent truancy prosecution occurred in 2022, following earlier cases in 2019.
The ministry will not prosecute parents whose children are genuinely attending school or are absent due to chronic illness or disability.