I would first like to thank you, Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, for your commitment to education in Quebec. As a Quebec citizen and parent, however, I would also like to express my concerns regarding your latest public statements on the equality of the Quebec education system in connection with the indefinite general strike.
I believe our education system has significant disparities, creating what some describe as a three-tier education system. Variations in resource levels, student opportunities, and accessibility to specialized support between private schools, enriched programs, and mainstream public school programs are palpable realities for many parents, teachers, and students.
The current strike by public sector teachers highlights the direct consequences of these elements on students, exacerbating the differences in access to quality education between different categories of schools. Private schools benefit from continuity in education, while public school students, like my child, stay at home without resources or supervision. This situation risks worsening existing inequalities, especially for students from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
I would like to concretely share the repercussions of this strike on my daily life. As public service employees, my wife and I are directly affected by the lack of services, leading to loss of income and additional family stress.
Mr. Minister, I believe it is imperative to recognize these disparities to guarantee equitable and inclusive education for all Quebec children. It is essential to invest resources and targeted efforts to close these gaps and provide equal opportunities for every child, regardless of their educational background. Martin Luther King said: “He who accepts evil without fighting against it cooperates with it. »
As Minister of Education, I respectfully encourage you to view these inequalities as tangible challenges that must be addressed to strengthen our education system. A more inclusive approach and priority investments in disadvantaged sectors could help guarantee equitable access to quality education for all Quebec students. I thank you for taking these concerns into consideration and I remain confident in your commitment to the continued improvement of our education system.