Montreal, March 18, 2026 – The Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) acknowledges the Quebec government’s 2026–2027 budget, which includes an overall increase of 2.4% in education funding.
QESBA applauds the announcement of investment in cultural and experiential funding, as this was deemed at risk of being cut. This recognizes the importance for students to learn opportunities about their culture and within their community.
While certain investments mark a step in the right direction, QESBA notes maintaining the six planned new schools in our network but fails to address regular building maintenance and improvements.
“We take note of the moderate increase that seeks to maintain services,” said QESBA President Joe Ortona. “Investing in education and ensuring stability over time will be key to ensuring students continue to receive consistent, high-quality services.”
QESBA emphasizes that funding must enable school boards to meet their priorities and obligations.
“Ensuring that funding reflects operational and local realities will allow school boards to put the appropriate services in place to meet student needs and empower staff to support their success,” added QESBA Executive Director David Meloche.
Over the last two years, midyear budget adjustments, measures restricting the use of accumulated surpluses, and hiring constraints have made planning more complex, underscoring the importance of greater stability and predictability moving forward.
“The real impact will depend on the parameters set out in the upcoming detailed budget rules to be issued by the Ministry of Education by May,” added Ortona. “It was stated that there will be cuts to the overall measures, we want to emphasize the importance of stability and flexibility of school boards to manage and control their funds to best meet the needs of students and staff across our network,” concluded Ortona.
QESBA is the voice of English public education in Québec and represents approximately 100,000 students in more than 300 elementary and secondary schools, as well as adult education and vocational training centres across the province.
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