Political parties asked to answer questions on Bill 101 extention, constitutional rights, school governance and consultation before Quebecers vote
Montreal, September 3, 2026 – The Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) has submitted a series of pointed questions to Quebec’s five principal political parties, seeking clear commitments on the rights, governance and accessibility of English public education. The questions address constitutional protections, democratic school board governance, access to adult education and vocational training, funding and infrastructure, and meaningful consultation before legislation is introduced.
“English public education is not a discretionary government service. It is at the heart of our community and protected by the Constitution, including our right to manage and control our educational institutions,” said QESBA President Joe Ortona. “Quebecers deserve to know whether the parties seeking to govern will respect those rights and work with us before making decisions that affect our students, institutions and communities.”
A pressing concern is the proposed extension of the Charter of the French Language to English-language adult education and vocational training, where access is not currently determined by eligibility for English-language instruction. Its proposed application to CEGEPs raises broader concerns about access and the continuity of English-language education from elementary school through post-secondary studies.
QESBA challenges the parties advancing these proposals to substantiate their claims with research and evidence demonstrating that such far-reaching restrictions would achieve their intended results. Any analysis must consider the potential effects on graduation rates, access across Quebec, system capacity, the viability of English-language adult education and vocational training programs, centres and CEGEPs, workforce shortages and Quebec’s economy.
“Our school boards, schools and centres are allies in protecting and promoting French—not mechanisms of anglicization,” said Ortona. “Students can pursue their education within the English-language network while strengthening their French-language competencies. A strong bilingual education prepares them to live, work, contribute and thrive in Quebec.”
Quebec courts have ruled that key provisions of Bill 40 are unconstitutional as applied to English-language school boards. QESBA is asking each party whether it would withdraw the government’s application to challenge those decisions before the Supreme Court of Canada and recognize the English-speaking minority’s right to govern its school system.
“It is time for the government to accept the Quebec court judgments, move beyond this legal battle and refocus on the essential work of education: student well-being and academic success, support for school staff, enriching learning environments, and genuine collaboration among government ministries, school boards and local communities,” said Ortona.
Bill 96 left another important issue unresolved. Individuals who qualify under Section 23 of the Canadian Charter and seek a certificate of eligibility after grade 11 have no mechanism through which to apply. QESBA is asking each party to commit to establishing a process that allows their eligibility to be formally recognized.
QESBA is further calling for a permanent consultation mechanism that ensures the English-language education network’s meaningful participation from the outset, before government decisions are finalized or legislation is introduced.
“Too often, decisions affecting our schools, centres and communities have been developed without meaningful consultation with those who govern and deliver English public education,” added Ortona. “We are asking for transparency, decisions supported by evidence and a genuine voice at the table as a valued partner. We stand ready to collaborate on solutions that strengthen education, French-language proficiency and Quebec as a whole.”
Media availability: QESBA representatives are available for interviews on the parties’ responses, the proposed extension of Bill 101 and the constitutional rights governing English public education and education priorities.
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