Hour 1 of Ottawa Now for Mon. April 13th, 2026

Sweeping changes are coming to Ontario’s school boards, as addressed by the province’s Education Minister earlier today. Paul Calandra says the endgame of the brand-new act is to put student achievement above all else – ranging from standardized mandatory exams for high-school students, to grading the participation and attendance records of students. But what does this mean for the future of school board trustees? Did today’s announcement tell us anything as to where they fit in this complex equation? OCDSB Trustee Lyra Evans pays us a visit in Hour 1. Her role was suspended by the province last year, and she can no longer access her work email address. Meantime, a trio of federal byelections are unfolding tonight, and the Carney Liberals only need a singular victory to secure a majority government. CFRA’s Andrew Pinsent sets the stage for us. But first, we bring you up to speed on today’s top headlines.