Code of Conduct and Safe Schools Policy

1. Introduction and Guiding Principles

Am-Can Business & Tech Institute is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and rigorous academic environment for all students, faculty, and administrative staff. Whether a student is learning in-person at our Vaughan campus or 100% online from an international location, they are entitled to an educational environment free from harassment, discrimination, and violence.

Because our dual-delivery and continuous-intake models bring together high school-aged minors and adult learners (via the Mature Student Assessment pathway), strict adherence to personal boundaries and digital citizenship is paramount. All members of the school community—including teachers, students, parents, and visitors—must comply with the standards of behavior established in this policy, which aligns with the Ontario Education Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

2. Standards of Respect, Civility, and Responsible Citizenship

All members of the school community must:

• Treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

• Respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws.

• Resolve conflicts constructively and peacefully without the use of physical or verbal violence.

• Show respect for school property, including the physical campus and the digital infrastructure of the Learning Management System (LMS).

3. Anti-Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy

Am-Can Business & Tech Institute enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment, sexual violence, or abuse of power. This policy applies equally to interactions occurring in Vaughan campus classrooms, in LMS discussion boards, via peer-to-peer emails, or on external social media platforms if the interaction negatively impacts the school climate.

• Definitions:

  • Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that detrimentally affects the learning environment or leads to adverse academic consequences.

  • Sexual Violence: Any sexual act or act targeting a person's sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression—whether physical or psychological in nature—that is committed, threatened, or attempted against a person without their clear, continuous consent.

  • Cyberbullying and Digital Harassment: The non-consensual sharing of intimate images, digital stalking, or using school networks to disseminate derogatory or sexually explicit materials.

• Adult Learner and Minor Boundaries: Mature students (aged 18 and older) are strictly prohibited from engaging in any non-academic, private communication with students under the age of 18 outside of moderated, official LMS forums.

• Consequences: Any student found to have engaged in sexual harassment, gender-based violence, or cyberbullying will face immediate suspension pending a formal investigation, up to and including academic expulsion and referral to local law enforcement.

4. Mandatory Duty to Report (Child Protection Protocol)

Because the Institute serves students under the age of 18, all faculty, administrative staff, and contractors are legally bound by Ontario’s Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA).

• The Legal Duty: Any staff member who has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child under the age of 16 (or up to 18 in specific circumstances) is or may be in need of protection due to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse must immediately and directly report the suspicion to the local Children's Aid Society (CAS) and, if applicable, the local police.

• No Delegation: Staff cannot delegate this reporting responsibility to the Principal or another administrator. The person who suspects the abuse must make the call. Failure to report is a provincial offense.

5. Restricted Substances and Technology Use (PPM 128 Compliance)

To maintain an environment focused on academic achievement, the Institute strictly enforces the provincial mandates regarding digital distractions and controlled substances:

• Personal Mobile Devices: For students attending the Vaughan campus, personal mobile devices (including cell phones and smartwatches) must be stored out of view and powered off during instructional time. Devices may only be accessed if explicitly permitted by the educator for an academic purpose, or for documented health/medical needs.

• Vaping and Smoking: The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 strictly prohibits the use of tobacco, cannabis, and electronic cigarettes (vaping) anywhere on the physical school property or within 20 meters of the campus boundaries. Any student found possessing or using these products on campus must surrender them immediately to the Principal, parents will be notified, and progressive discipline will be applied.

6. Progressive Discipline and Interventions

The Principal will utilize a progressive discipline continuum to address inappropriate behavior, prioritizing restorative practices when appropriate, but reserving the right to enforce immediate severe consequences for serious infractions.

• Temporary Removals: The Principal reserves the right to temporarily suspend a student's access to the LMS or physically remove them from the Vaughan campus during an active investigation into alleged severe misconduct (e.g., threats of violence, sexual harassment, or academic fraud).

• Suspension and Expulsion: Activities that will result in mandatory suspension and potential expulsion include:

  • Possessing a weapon or committing physical assault.

  • Trafficking illegal drugs or providing alcohol/cannabis to a minor.

  • Committing sexual assault or severe cyberbullying.

  • Engaging in hate propaganda or systemic discrimination.

7. Reporting Mechanisms

Any student, parent, or staff member who witnesses or experiences a violation of this Code of Conduct is strongly encouraged to report the incident immediately.

• Digital Reporting: Concerns regarding online harassment, cyberbullying, or LMS misuse should be emailed directly to the Principal via the secure contact portal at www.techstudy.ca.

• In-Person Reporting: Students at the Vaughan campus may report incidents directly to any faculty member or the main administration office. The school guarantees that all reports will be handled with strict confidentiality and without fear of academic reprisal.