Special Consultations on Bill 40 : An Act to Amend Mainly the Education Act with Regard to School Organization and Governance

The Quebec Community Groups Network (“QCGN”) has not been invited to appear before the Committee in the course of its special consultations on Bill 40. Nonetheless, the QCGN submits this brief to the Committee. In addition to providing an excellent education to students, Quebec’s English public schools exist to preserve and promote the language and unique culture of English-speaking Quebec. The Government of Quebec must recognize and support the linguistic and cultural rights of Quebec’s English-speaking community. At the same time, the English-speaking community of Quebec recognizes the need for reforms. In 2015, the community conducted a wide-ranging consultation, and prepared recommendations to the Minister of Education and Higher Education on the matter. Bill 40 largely ignores those recommendations, particularly the recommendations for improving the electoral system. It does not reflect a model of education governance by and for the English- speaking community.