Québec City, March 21, 2019 – The Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) is very satisfied with the 2019-2020 Québec budget. Not only has the government fully funded the normal annual increase in the costs of the elementary, secondary and adult education sectors, it has expanded a number of programs and has financed a number of new initiatives which will benefit students.
The overall increase in spending for the education and higher education sector is 5.1%. QESBA estimates that the increase for the education sector alone is higher than this global increase. We are also reassured that the Government has budgeted the necessary compensation to school boards for the reduction in the school tax.
“The 2019-2020 spending levels reflect the government’s commitment to make education a priority. School boards have to wait for the budget rules which provide the necessary details of the government’s transfers. Flexibility within these rules is always crucial in order to provide each board with the ability to meet their different needs,” said Stephen Burke, Chairman of the Central Québec School Board and a member of QESBA’s Executive Committee.
QESBA is particularly pleased with a new mentoring program for incoming teachers. We believe this new program will help retain the men and women who make a daily difference in the lives of our students.
“QESBA remains committed to working with the government of Québec on all issues which we believe will improve the education of our students,” concluded Stephen Burke.
QESBA is the voice of English public education in Québec and represents 100,000 students in 340 elementary, high schools, and adult and vocational centres across Québec.