Prime Minister François Legault hopes that Quebec schools will be better equipped for the next total eclipse in 2106.
On Monday, the day of total eclipse in North America, half of the school service centers decided to close their doors, notably for security reasons. Others have chosen to install students in closed rooms, so that they can, in certain cases, experience the historic moment by following it on television.
Asked about the reaction of schools on Tuesday, Prime Minister Legault declared that “we are never wrong when we let parents, teachers, people decide locally.”
“We don’t have much experience with total eclipses, so there are perhaps some who haven’t found a way to have glasses for everyone. In 82 years, I am certain that we will be better equipped,” he said, with a smile.
The Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, for his part assured that “if it had to be done again, it would be the same decision”. “I was very consistent. I said that I had a preference for schools to remain open, but that we must first and foremost ensure the safety of students,” he said.
In recent weeks, his ministry shared “guidance” with schools which suggested in particular “avoid holding outdoor activities during the period” of the eclipse, from 2:11 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The ministry nevertheless encouraged keeping schools open and said “to encourage scientific activities”.
An “eminently sad” error
In the press scrum, PQ MP Pascal Bérubé recalled that the minister has the power to impose instructions on the network, and that he did so in particular by banning cell phones in class and prayer rooms in schools. “There, he chose not to do it. It’s an error, and it’s a very bad mark in the minister’s notebook,” he said. He recalled that under Minister Drainville’s education reform, he has the power to overturn the decisions of school service centers.
“I find it eminently sad, the fact that not all of the young people of Quebec, who [aient participé] to a historic event, unifying, educational too. Once again, we can see that the CAQ government missed the boat,” also commented Liberal leader Marc Tanguay.
Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, from Québec solidaire, said he feared that Quebec had “lost careers or vocations” by not better planning activities in schools. “I think we could have managed that in advance. It was predictable, the eclipse: that’s the least we can say. So, why weren’t there conversations in advance to ensure that the service centers that perhaps need to be reassured or supported are, and then that all children in Quebec can benefit? of an experience, nevertheless, educational, which is exciting? “, he asked.
As he often does, Minister Drainville declared that “it is not on the 16the floor of complex G”, where the offices of the Ministry of Education are located, that it had to be decided “what is good” for Quebec schools. “The power of directive exists [pour le ministre], but once again, it was necessary to find the balance between scientific teaching and student safety,” he also argued. “If I had to do it again, it would be the same decision. I would say to schools: I prefer them to stay open, but it’s up to you to decide. »