Montreal, October 21, 2026 – The Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) warmly congratulates Mr. Arseneau on his appointment as Quebec’s Minister of Education. QESBA looks forward to building a strong, constructive and collaborative relationship focused on the success of every student in Quebec.
“The appointment of a new Minister of Education is a chance to open a new chapter,” said QESBA President Joe Ortona. “We look forward to working together in a spirit of openness and mutual respect, with a shared commitment to helping every student in Quebec reach their full potential.”
A Shared Vision for Public Education
QESBA looks forward to taking an active part in the proposed Estates General on Education (États généraux de l’éducation). The Association has long advocated for this initiative as an important step toward a comprehensive, forward-looking vision for public education in Quebec.
“We believe the Estates General can bring education partners together to exchange ideas and set meaningful priorities for the future,” the President added. “English-language school boards have an important contribution to make to this conversation, drawing on their successes, their expertise and the unique realities of the communities they serve.”
QESBA hopes to be involved at every stage, from early planning through consultation to the implementation of recommendations. This would ensure that the perspectives of English-language public education, and the constitutional rights and responsibilities of its communities, are fully reflected.
Building a Strong Partnership
As a first step, QESBA looks forward to meeting with the new Minister and the chairs of its nine-member school boards to discuss shared priorities and identify areas for cooperation.
The Association’s priorities include:
- equitable access to educational resources;
- greater clarity in how language directives are applied;
- budgetary flexibility that reflects the realities of English-language school boards; and
- improved access to funding under the Canada–Quebec Agreement on Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction.
QESBA also remains firmly committed to strengthening French-language learning and proficiency in its elementary and secondary schools, adult education centres and vocational training programs. It recognizes that bilingualism is essential to students’ success and to their full participation in Quebec society.
“Our school boards are deeply rooted in their communities and committed to the success of Quebec’s public education system as a whole,” Ortona concluded. “We are optimistic about what lies ahead and ready to work with the Minister to build a positive, productive and lasting partnership that puts students first.”
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