Quebec has paused nearly 100 school expansion projects, affecting educational accessibility amid $200 million in budget cuts. Municipal leaders express outrage over delayed constructions, like a new high school in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, where students already face long commutes. Education officials assert projects will proceed, albeit slower due to financial constraints. Critics argue these cuts jeopardize educational priorities, leading to overcrowded schools and inadequate facilities, while logistical challenges for student transfers and daycare access are anticipated.
Quebec’s Education System Faces Significant Project Delays
In a move that has sparked outrage among municipal leaders and raised alarm within the education sector, Quebec has announced a pause on nearly 100 projects aimed at expanding school facilities. This decision comes alongside $200 million in budget cuts impacting the school network, which includes the construction of new schools, expansions, and the addition of modular classrooms. Last Friday, school service centers were informed of this suspension, which affects 99 out of approximately 150 projects currently in the planning phase. Although ongoing construction is not impacted, the decision has led to serious concerns about educational accessibility.
One notable example is in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, located near Quebec City, where the anticipated construction of a new high school, set to open in 2029, has been postponed. Teenagers in this region are already facing long commutes, spending up to three hours daily on buses to reach their schools. Mayor Pierre Dolbec expressed his frustration, stating, “I struggle to understand why we allocate millions to multinationals while neglecting our children’s education. It’s outrageous.” He highlighted that the community has been requesting this new school since 2017.
Government Response to Project Delays
Officials in the office of Education Minister Bernard Drainville clarified that the paused projects are not canceled but will progress at a reduced pace. Press attaché Antoine de la Durantaye emphasized, “These are projects we will complete, but we must align their progression with the budgetary constraints faced by Quebecers.” The Legault government has made substantial investments in education, increasing funding from $9 billion to $23 billion since 2018. Nonetheless, concerns persist regarding the ongoing lack of space in schools, which remains a critical issue despite these financial commitments.
Examples of suspended construction projects include:
- Capitale-Nationale: A secondary school in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier.
- Laurentides: Three primary schools in Lachute, Sainte-Sophie, and Mirabel (Saint-Canut/Saint-Colomban sector).
- South Shore of Montreal: Three primary schools in Longueuil and one in Brossard.
Critics of the budget cuts, including Mélanie Hubert, president of the Autonomous Federation of Education, are vocal about the implications of the government’s decisions. She lamented, “Education is no longer the priority it should be. The government’s choices reflect a shift away from public service needs.” Hubert pointed to last year’s tax cuts as a precursor to the current funding reductions, stating, “Today’s cuts stem from yesterday’s financial choices.” The ongoing delays in school construction will mean students continue to attend overcrowded facilities, often lacking adequate space for essential services like meals.
As the situation unfolds, the Quebec Federation of School Administrators warns that the number of students needing transfers may increase, creating logistical challenges for school transportation and daycare access. The rising costs of modular classrooms, which are a temporary solution for space shortages, add another layer of complexity to the issue. Furthermore, the $200 million cuts compound existing challenges such as a hiring freeze and reduced funds for school maintenance, raising concerns about the overall impact on student services.