Private schools still have their place in Quebec, believes PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, who is not asking his deputies to favor the public network for their children.
• Also read: The PQ is doing “very well”: PSPP demands modesty from the PQ
The Parti Québécois advocates for public financing of private schools.
In a proposal presented to around 400 activists gathered at the National Council in Saint-Hyacinthe this weekend, the political party no longer promises to completely cut subsidies to the private sector.
Funding for schools from the state treasury would be “gradually reduced to less than 50%,” no more. PSPP sees this as a good compromise. “I think that what is currently in the notebook is reasonable,” he told reporters on Saturday morning. However, the PQ is returning with the idea of putting an end to public funding of private religious institutions.
The PQ leader’s daughter went to kindergarten at a public school. But he has no intention of sending a message to his team of elected officials to encourage their children to use the public network.
However, MP Pascal Bérubé has repeatedly praised Pauline Marois’ decision to send her four children to public institutions.
Cell phones are only banned in class
The sovereigntist leader is more critical of the political committee’s proposal for a PQ government to ban cellphones in schools, not just in class.
“I will let the activists debate because, from my perspective, I’m not sure I understand how it works. Is anyone standing at the school gate looking for cell phones? I’m not sure I understand how that would work,” he quipped.
Can you share information about this story?
Write to us or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.