(Saint-Hyacinthe) Funding for private schools divides Parti Québécois activists. After a close vote, the PQ refused to commit to setting a timetable for phasing out subsidies for private institutions.
Published at 11:21 am.
Parti Québécois activists, who met at the National Council in Saint-Hyacinthe this weekend, debated at length on Sunday the funding of private schools. In addition, the suggestions were initially discussed between members in non-public workshops on Saturday. A version of all the amended proposals was presented to journalists this morning.
Members had already decided to return to the political party’s traditional position, that is, to gradually withdraw all subsidies from private schools that refuse to return to the public domain. The original version called for this to be achieved “below 50%”. A proposal that chef Paul St-Pierre Plamondon described on Saturday as “fair” and reiterated that the private school would be in its place.
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon
However, in the amended document, activists had agreed to go further and set a timetable for eliminating public funding for private schools. We have proposed a period of 5 years for secondary education and 6 years for primary education. This proposal was hotly debated on Sunday.
“When we have national councils, it’s not just about baking apple pie […] At a certain point we have to make commitments,” said Maxime Paquin-Charbonneau, arguing for a timetable to be set.
The MP and spokesman for education, Pascal Bérubé, intervened and called on members to reject the proposal: “The direction towards public schools is very clear, what we ask of you is “the necessary space to be serious and coherent “,” he said, explaining that the proposed schedule was too restrictive. The text was ultimately rejected after a close vote.
In addition, the PQ leader announced on Sunday the immediate creation of a committee of smart people whose task will be to prepare its training for the creation of a “Parent 2.0 Commission,” which is a commitment from the Parti Québécois.
Education is the central topic of the National Council. MPs will have to vote this Sunday on a series of proposals, in particular to abolish the “three speed school”. Former Prime Minister Pauline Marois made a forceful plea for public schools on Saturday, criticizing subsidized private schools and public special schools that select students.
“These schools segregate based on income and social affiliation,” she complained.
Some suggestions were accepted
- The Parti Québécois is committed to conducting a public consultation modeled on the Parent Commission to define a common vision for the education system.
- The Parti Québécois is committed to ending all public funding of private religious schools.
- The Parti Québécois is committed to offering all currently subsidized private schools the opportunity to become accredited schools fully funded by the state.
- The Parti Québécois is committed to ensuring that all state-funded schools offer all students a choice of specific projects.
On Sunday, activists will also begin preparing the first chapter of the “Blue Book” on independence by addressing the issue of “Canadian regime.” These discussions also take place behind closed doors. After presenting the annual budget for a sovereign Quebec, the Parti Québécois must present its response in 2024 to the initiative of the century that promotes sustainable growth in immigration to Canada.
The Blue Book must be presented in 2025 and the definition of Quebec citizenship in 2026.