The Ontario government says it will end academic streaming in Grade 9.

Streaming is when students are asked to choose between the hands-on applied and post-secondary track academic courses.

Ontario is one of few places in Canada that separates students this way at the start of high school.

The government says statistics show the practice has meant Black and Indigenous students are streamed into the applied classes in higher numbers.

The advocacy group People for Education, which urged the previous Liberal government to end the practice, is applauding the move.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce’s office says the government will also end suspensions for students in junior kindergarten to Grade 3.