In a disturbing incident that left parents in shock in Halifax, a school bus carrying children from École Mer et Monde was missing for more than four and a half hours on September 9, 2024. The incident triggered a wave of anger and concern among parents. , encouraging the authorities to seek solutions and reassure themselves following this distressing event.
The Provincial Academy School Board (CSAP), responsible for the French-language school board, found itself in a difficult position as parents expressed frustration over the lack of communication and clarity surrounding the delay. In an email sent shortly after the incident, CSAP executive director Michel Collette suggested organizing a meeting where affected students could receive bags of treats from Transco, the bus company, while parents could express their concerns. However, despite calls from board members like Marc Pinet to hold such meetings, no public gatherings have ever taken place.
Pinet stressed the need for transparency, suggesting that meetings should take place at almost all French-language schools, citing widespread bus transportation issues in the region. The email correspondence, which was part of a 261-page freedom of information file obtained by CBC News, reveals the depth of parents’ anxiety as they recounted their fears of not knowing the whereabouts of their children during this long wait.
Also read: Summer could be over long before the fight to contain the Jasper wildfire is won.
The situation worsened when parents described the horror of not knowing where their children were for several hours. One parent, whose children typically arrive home around 3:05 p.m., was first told the bus would be 25 minutes late, only to learn the delay stretched to more than an hour. As the hours passed, some parents, in desperation, called the police.
According to Transco, the bus service provider, the regular driver for the C107 route was unavailable, necessitating a replacement driver. Unfortunately, this replacement did not know the route, which further exacerbated the delays. Traffic was heavy and another driver had to be hired to finally take the students home. By 7:44 p.m., all the children would have returned home safely, but the damage was already done.
At the time of the incident, CSAP did not have a real-time bus tracking system, unlike the Halifax Regional Center for Education, which operates under different regulations. The absence of this crucial element meant that parents did not know where their children were. However, Collette indicated in a recent email that a tracking system should be operational by February 2025.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, CSAP refused to release a detailed map of the route taken by the bus, citing privacy concerns. The ruling prompted CBC to file an appeal for the information, as parents continue to seek answers. The first email from a CSAP official about the missing bus was sent at 7:38 p.m., just minutes before all students finally went home.
The day after the incident, CSAP sent letters of apology to parents, acknowledging Transco’s lack of communication during the crisis. The board promised to review emergency communications protocols and ensure Transco directly contacts families affected by the incident. Transco’s letter also attributes the delay to “multiple unforeseen events” and describes its intention to hire additional drivers and administrative staff to improve communication in the future. However, many parents were unhappy with the vague explanations and lack of accountability.
Board members, including Kathleen Howlett and Marc Pinet, expressed displeasure with Transco’s responses, demanding more detailed accounts of the incident and urging the board to take a more proactive stance in addressing concerns raised by parents . The incident attracted media attention, further amplifying the urgency for accountability.
Also read: Body of Mackenzie Lee Trottier found at Saskatoon landfill after months of search
The emotional toll on families has been profound. A parent has described the distress of reporting their children missing to police, detailing the harrowing experience of providing descriptions of their children. Another parent expressed the trauma their children faced during the ordeal, saying they were “hungry, thirsty and traumatized” and needed counseling.
In light of the chaos, many parents are reconsidering their transportation options, with some choosing to carpool or drive their children to school, despite the impact on their work schedules. One parent even contacted the Minister of Education, questioning the safety of the bus service and demanding assurance that their children would not be lost again.
As Halifax grapples with the aftermath of this alarming incident, the need for improved communication and accountability in school transportation has never been more evident. Parents hope that the lessons learned from this experience will lead to meaningful changes that will ensure the safety and well-being of their children in the future.