The Minister of Higher Education, Danielle McCann, cannot explain why unions accuse her of being “invisible” to the post-secondary education community. It is possible to be present without multiplying the press conferences, says the minister.
Posted at 5:00 a.m.
On Thursday, CEGEP unions affiliated with the CSQ denounced The Press the minister’s absence and her “lack of leadership” since the start of the pandemic.
Minister Danielle McCann says she “virtually fell down [sa] chair” by hearing the grievances of teachers, professionals and support staff.
What is most important? To be visible, or that it works well on campus?
Danielle McCann, Minister of Higher Education
The unions have the answers to their questions and there are “very open channels of communication” with them, assures Minister Danielle McCann.
On several occasions in recent months, the Federation of Collegial Students has also deplored the absence of the Minister from the public square. In this regard, Mr.me McCann notes that his ministry has favored the dissemination of videos on the web to inform students, as requested by their federations.
“I understand that they would like a press conference, but there are so many subjects at a press conference that there is a limit to what can be done,” said the minister.
At present, “things are going well in CEGEPs, universities, colleges,” continues the minister. “I’m not saying it’s perfect, but we’ve done a lot of work with partners to get students and staff on campus,” says Ms.me McCann. A return to school was the wish of a “very large majority” of students, she continues.
McCann stays the course
Currently, the absenteeism rate in CEGEPs and universities is no higher than in pre-pandemic times, also observes the Minister of Higher Education.
In the coming months, the success plan will remain “at the heart” of Danielle McCann’s mission, as will the mental health plan put in place due to the pandemic.
The minister also cites the “Perspective” scholarships, which will allow students who choose fields where there is a labor shortage to obtain a sum of up to $1,500 per college semester starting next fall. and $2,500 per full-time academic session.