Montreal, October 6, 2026 — The Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) congratulates the Parti Québécois on forming a minority government and seeks an early meeting with the Premier and the incoming Minister of Education. QESBA is ready to work in partnership on a long-term plan that puts students’ well-being, emotional development and academic success first.
A minority government brings both a responsibility and an opportunity to build consensus across party lines. QESBA encourages the government and opposition parties to bring that spirit of cooperation to education, working with school boards, educators, families, students and communities to support students’ well-being and success.
“Families place enormous trust in their schools, and we take that responsibility to heart,” said QESBA President Joe Ortona. “Every student deserves to feel they belong and receive the support they need to succeed. We want to work with the new government to serve students and families and help build Quebec’s future.”
QESBA’s ten priorities, shared with all political parties during the campaign, provide a starting point: predictable funding, qualified personnel, timely specialized services, renovations to aging buildings and decisions that respect local needs, constitutional rights and democratic governance.
QESBA calls for government-convened Estates General on education early in the mandate, with an independent, inclusive and evidence-based review. Consultation must begin while the scope and priorities are being developed. QESBA and Quebec’s nine English school boards must help shape the process from the outset. First Nations and Inuit communities must have a voice in defining it in ways that respect their distinct realities and rights.
The review must lead to a collective action plan with clear responsibilities, timelines and measurable outcomes. Urgent support for students and schools must continue throughout the process.
The English network is ready to contribute in strengthening French-language learning while preserving access to English adult education and vocational training. QESBA also calls for permanent consultation, respect for the community’s right to manage and control its educational institutions under section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and withdrawal of the government’s application for leave to appeal the Bill 40 ruling to the Supreme Court of Canada.
“Our message to the incoming Minister of Education is simple: take the time to understand our network and the communities we serve. Talk with us, learn from our experience and work with us to help every student succeed,” added Mr. Ortona. “QESBA is ready to help shape a stronger future for public education through a partnership that respects each school board’s distinct realities and our communities’ constitutional rights.”
QESBA looks forward to meeting with the new Premier, the Minister of Education and representatives of other ministries whose responsibilities affect students and families at the earliest opportunity. Together, we can turn shared ambitions into real opportunities for every student and a stronger future for Quebec.
QESBA is the voice of English public education in Québec, representing 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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