Maple News reports that many newcomers to Canada often face a steep learning curve when it comes to understanding how Canadian schools operate during harsh winter conditions. With snow and freezing temperatures a regular part of the Canadian experience, parents—especially recent immigrants—frequently have questions about how the education system responds during extreme weather events.
Unlike many other countries, Canada’s public schools are well-accustomed to operating during periods of inclement weather. However, when heavy snowfall or low temperatures pose safety risks, school boards across the country may decide to close schools temporarily. These decisions are not made nationally; rather, each school board sets its own policies based on local weather forecasts, road safety, and transportation availability.
For example, in provinces like Nova Scotia and other parts of Atlantic Canada, snow days are relatively common. Data from recent years suggest school boards in this region can experience double-digit school closures each winter season. Halifax, for instance, has averaged approximately 4.4 snow days per year over the past decade. In contrast, larger cities in Quebec and Ontario typically see far fewer snow-related closures, with Quebec City averaging 1.75 snow days a year and Hamilton just 1.6.
Parents are encouraged to stay informed by checking local school board websites or subscribing to text or email alerts that most boards use to communicate closures or delays. Schools may also broadcast updates on local radio, social media, or television.
It’s worth noting that even on days when schools remain open, transportation services—such as school buses—might be canceled if road conditions are considered unsafe. In such cases, parents must decide whether to send their children to school, as attendance might be optional based on the circumstances.
While navigating winter in Canada may be unfamiliar to many new immigrant families, understanding these regional school protocols can help reduce confusion and ensure children remain safe during the snowy months of the year.
Maple News encourages parents and guardians to regularly monitor school announcements and become familiar with the policies of their local school boards as Canada’s vast geography means winter weather can vary widely across the country.