Newsletter Vol. 40

Dear Parents,

I am pleased to present the recommendations of EPCA and its parent committees regarding Bill 94, introduced by Minister of Education Bernard Drainville. This bill seeks to reinforce secularism within Quebec’s education system by amending the Education Act and the Act Respecting Private Education. The proposed legislation introduces new obligations for schools, administration, staff, students, and volunteers to uphold principles of state secularism and democratic values. To learn more about our specific recommendations on Bill 94, see the information we provided here.

Banning Cell Phones in Schools

You may have seen recent news coverage announcing that, starting in the 2025 school year, students will no longer be permitted to use cell phones during school hours—whether inside the school or on the playground, with specific exceptions for pedagogical purposes, health requirements, or special needs accommodations. While the goal is to create a more focused learning environment, it is crucial that Governing Boards play an active role in determining how this policy is applied. Equally important is the involvement of students and parents to identify challenges and develop solutions, ensuring the measures are both realistic and considerate of diverse needs.

Ensuring Access to Education for All Students

We have heard from parents whose children, despite meeting academic requirements, are being refused entry to CEGEP programs solely because they cannot meet heightened French language criteria. This is particularly concerning for students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who may require modified learning environments and additional time to acquire language skills. The absence of reasonable accommodations for these students contradicts the very principles of accessibility and inclusion that our education system is meant to uphold.

Exceptional provisions must be made for students with identified challenges. The education system must recognize their individual learning paths and create pathways that allow them to access CEGEP and graduate with dignity and pride. No student should be left behind because of language barriers that do not account for their unique learning needs.

We are committed to advocating for these provisions and will continue to work with our government partners, and educational partners to ensure that every student, regardless of their learning profile, has the opportunity to succeed.

As we approach the end of the school year, our newsletter is dedicated to helping parents and students prepare for final exams and important transitions. We remain dedicated to representing your voice on these critical issues, advocating for policies that not only support academic success but also prioritize the well-being and inclusion of all students.

In solidarity,

Katherine Korakakis
President, English Parents’ Committee Association