CUPE Quebec’s education sector has sounded the alarm over cuts to Quebec schools announced last week by the Ministry of Education. These massive cuts totalling more than $500 million by June 2026 will significantly impact both the quality and the number of services to students in all of the institutions’ activities.
CUPE Quebec also denounced the “consultation masquerade” that took place a few days ago when it received consultation documents on the Ministry’s budget rules without notice at 3:26 pm on June 12, and had only until 4 pm on June 13 to respond. “We don’t really know why they’re squeezing us like this, but from our standpoint, we see this as a sign of contempt for our school support staff and education professionals. The Legault government did say, however, that they wanted to enhance their status,” deplored Michelle Poulin, president of CUPE Quebec’s education sector, which represents 10,000 support staff and 1,000 professionals in Quebec schools.
In substance, CUPE Quebec points out that these cuts will result in less support for students with disabilities or those with adjustments or learning difficulties, the loss of positions in remedial or specialized education, the elimination of francization in general adult education, and further deterioration of buildings that are already in poor condition.
The cutbacks also imply that measures to address teaching staff shortages will come to an end. This means that professionals, personnel in specialized education, and those in daycare services will have to replace more teachers when they are absent.
“These cuts will be a major setback for students and personnel. They run in opposition of all the intentions announced by this government. We demand that measures directly supporting vulnerable students be maintained, that support resources in underprivileged areas be boosted, that existing positions be protected, and that working conditions be improved,” said Poulin.