Quebec Premier Reveals Plan to Promote ‘Culture of Civility’ in Schools within the Province

September 9, 2024 TruthUSA

Premier François Legault has instructed his education minister to create a strategy to promote respect and civic-mindedness in Quebec schools.

Legault made this announcement at the annual convention of the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CRCAQ) Commission de la relève in Saint-Hyacinthe, Montérégie, where 150 delegates endorsed several motions to foster a “culture of civility” in the province’s schools.

“In recent years, there has been a troubling rise in violence and incivility in schools,” said CAQ Youth President Aurelie Diep in a recent press release. “The Relève caquiste proposes a new direction to reintroduce civic-mindedness in the classroom, starting with restoring a sense of decorum.”

To achieve this, the commission suggests adopting the formal “vous” instead of “tu” in all educational institutions from nursery school onwards.

The proposal also includes implementing mandatory uniforms in secondary schools and requiring students and their parents who engage in violence and intimidation to participate in behavior modification training programs.

Legault endorsed the latter proposal during his convention speech, acknowledging that the lack of respect for teachers is a persistent issue in industrialized societies.

He also praised the CAQ Commission Relève on social media, a group of young adults aged 16 to 30 from across Quebec.

“Last week, La Relève de la CAQ highlighted an important issue,” Legault mentioned in a Sept. 7 X post. “As Premier, I accepted it, and I have tasked our Education Minister, Bernard Drainville, with addressing good citizenship in schools.”

Drainville, who spoke at the convention through a pre-recorded speech, was praised by the coalition for his inspiring words. He commended the young advocates for education and expressed willingness to consider their suggestions.

“You’re going to challenge us a bit, which is a good thing. Be bold,” he wrote in a social media post. “I might not agree with everything, but I appreciate young people presenting innovative ideas and new proposals.”

Diep characterized the youth coalition’s suggestions as a way to address the “small minority of students who disrupt school for everyone else.”

“Unacceptable conduct often goes unpunished, largely due to parents defending their children even when they are wrong,” she added. “Schools must have the authority to impose appropriate penalties.”

La Presse Canadienne contributed to this report.

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