Alberta’s education minister is making the move to ban the use of seclusion rooms in schools through a Ministerial Order.

David Eggen confirmed the decision to members of a working group Friday morning. The group was created to work with the education ministry to find solutions to seclusion rooms.

“I appreciate all the feedback you have provided on this work and acknowledge the concerns that have been expressed by some group members and stakeholders,” Eggen said in the email.

“As I have stated, I am deeply concerned by some of the things that parents and students are sharing about their family’s experiences with seclusion rooms. We can and must do better for our kids.”

“This is a day to be celebrated as it will no longer be possible for young children to be locked in solitary confinement when at school,” said Inclusion Alberta President Barb McIntyre.

“He is to be commended for taking action on behalf of students who often are perceived to have no voice.”

The issue with seclusion, or “timeout” rooms, was first brought to light in September 2018 when the parents of an autistic boy filed a $275,000 lawsuit against the province. It claims the boy was locked in a seclusion room, naked and alone, at his Sherwood Park school in 2015.

Since then, parents and advocates of children with disabilities have been calling for a ban. 

“We know more remains to be done including increasing positive approaches and training for teachers and school personnel, but Alberta is leading the country on this issue thanks to Minister Eggen understanding the concerns and taking action,” said Trish Bowman, Inclusion Alberta CEO.

The education minister said seclusion rooms must be decommissioned by the 2019-2020 school year.

“I will also ensure mechanisms are in place that hold school authorities accountable to government for decommissioning seclusion rooms,” he said in the email.

Edmonton Catholic Schools said it has two seclusion rooms in its district.

“Edmonton Catholic Schools will work in full cooperation with Alberta Education and we are exploring alternate ways in which to ensure student and staff safety,” the district said in a statement.

Edmonton Public Schools said it started drafting an administrative regulation in regards to individual safe spaces earlier this year.

“We will continue our unwavering commitment and legislative responsibilities to ensure that classrooms in our District are safe for all students and staff,” said Edmonton Public Schools Superintendent Darrel Robertson.

Further details about the Ministerial Order and accountability measures are expected to be released in the near future.

The mother who is suing the province over her son's alleged confinement in a seclusion room told CTV News she is elated with the news.

"I just really wanted some good positive change to come out of it and I'm so pleased to hear that's happening," Marcy Oakes said.

According to Oakes, her autistic non-verbal son was locked in a seclusion room at a Sherwood Park school in 2015. She said she only learned about the incident after being emailed photos of him, naked and covered in feces.

The mother has been fighting against seclusion rooms ever since.

"When I get home and give him a big hug, I'll figure out how to let him know that he's changing Alberta for all the kids after him."