Education Minister Jean-François Roberge unveiled the new “Culture and citizenship of Quebec” program, which will replace the Ethics and Religious Culture (ECR) course throughout the network from the start of the 2023 school year.
The new program will be rolled out gradually in primary and secondary schools from the start of the 2022 school year and throughout the network at the start of the 2023 school year. Adjustments may be made during the 2022-2023 school year, Minister Roberge indicated.
The new program presented on Sunday will focus on three areas: culture, Quebec citizenship, as well as dialogue and critical thinking.
Culture will lead students to take an interest in and understand culture, by promoting Quebec culture, including in particular its foundations, its evolution, its heritage and its works.
Quebec citizenship will deal with values, civic life, respect for oneself and others, equality, secularism and freedom of expression. They will also be asked to reflect on the new challenges of citizenship, particularly in the digital age and environmental issues.
Finally, dialogue and critical thinking will “limit polarization” in society, said Minister Roberge. The students will be asked to question themselves and to tackle moral dilemmas, to examine the references of a cultural, religious, scientific and social nature. The defense of freedom of expression will be put forward.
Eliminate stereotypes and prejudices
For Minister Roberge, the overhaul of the program was essential, since the old ECR course offered “stereotypical images” and “propagated prejudices”.
Training will be offered to teachers to supervise them in the implementation of the new program. Teaching materials will also be provided to teachers.
Sexuality education content will be integrated into the new curriculum. Issues related to First Nations and Inuit will also be addressed and developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners.