Québec City, March 27, 2018 – The Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) is satisfied with the 2018/2019 provincial budget presented today in Québec City. The funding commitment for education has been attained. The budget deposited today promises among other specific items an overall 5% increase which translates into $606 million for the English education sector.
Many of the dedicated education funds have already been identified for initiatives such school tax equity, and the implementation of initiatives within the Policy on Education Success. “We’re satisfied overall with today’s budget. Education is the cornerstone of any society and we are pleased that the government continues to make it a priority,” said QESBA President, Jennifer Maccarone.
An estimated $90 million in infrastructure for our sector will be allocated to preschool, elementary and secondary educational institutions, based on $9 billion over 10 years. Funds will be used to add classrooms, gymnasiums and sports facilities, for renovation work, and the implementation of digital technologies to bring schools into the 21st century. Approximately 310 additional professionals will support elementary and secondary school students in their learning paths. As well, $5.5 million will be invested over the next five years to support business start-ups for adult education and vocational training students.
QESBA is also satisfied dedicated funding has been allocated in the Director General of Elections budget for the upcoming school board elections, despite the fact the amounts are below those invested in the recent municipal elections.
“This provincial budget is a portrait of the government’s re-investment in education, however, school boards have to wait for budget rules before having a detailed account of our bottom-line. Flexibility within the rules is always crucial to provide each board with the ability to meet their individual, and unique needs,” concluded the President.
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.