Newsletter Vol. 39

Dear Parents

I am heartened by the Quebec Superior Court’s ruling against Bill 40, which ensures our English school boards remain intact and preserves our voice in education. However, as the school year nears its end, many of you are feeling the fatigue of navigating challenges. Parents contacting EPCA inform us that there is often a lack of resources to meet the needs of our children; whatever the reason for this, those calls are never easy. The recent slowdown in Quebec’s education investments, despite education being a government priority, raises concerns that student services will face further strain.

In addition to Bill 40, there are other Bills that impact education in Quebec. Bill 94, which amends the Education Act to reinforce secularism, proposes extending the ban on religious symbols to all staff working with students and prohibiting face coverings for religious reasons. It also includes measures to improve student services and governance, including a code of ethics for governing board members.

A pressing concern is the impact of Bill 96’s French-language requirements for CEGEP students, mandating three program courses in French or five French second-language courses. For students with special needs—such as autism or language disorders—these rules create insurmountable barriers. My son, and many others, risk being unable to attend CEGEP due to a lack of accommodations. Even though these children may only struggle with language processing, the French requirements become a hurdle that may impact the rest of their lives, including ending early their academic career. Developed without consulting families or educators, Bill 96 threatens to exclude vulnerable students from higher education. EPCA asks for clear exemptions for students with documented needs, inclusive policies that promote French proficiency without sacrificing equity, and adequate resources to bridge the gap between student needs and school capacity.

EPCA is actively engaged in consultations and will present a brief to ensure that our community’s perspectives are heard.

All the best as we transition into the warmer weather and the ending of the school year.

Katherine Korakakis
President, English Parents’ Committee Association