Education Minister Bernard Drainville’s actions have led to a challenging start to the school year for students and staff, according to the Quebec Liberals. The party criticized the chaos caused by the Minister, citing drastic budget cuts of $570 million announced in June. However, there was a sudden change in direction as the Minister backtracked in the middle of summer, pledging a reinvestment of $540 million for student services.
Speaking at a press briefing outside a school in Charlesbourg, Quebec City, Liberal education spokesperson Madwa-Nika Cadet expressed dissatisfaction with the timing of this reversal, stating that it is inadequate and belated. Cadet was joined by Éric Pronovost, president of the Federation of School Support Personnel, who highlighted the impact of the situation on special education technicians (TES). Pronovost revealed that a significant number of TES, including 336 in the Capitale-Nationale region, had left the system between May 14 and Aug. 25, 2025.
Pronovost emphasized the instability and anxiety experienced by those in the education field, labeling this as the most challenging school year start in their memory. He criticized the government’s priorities, stating that despite claims of promoting education, the actions taken suggest otherwise. Both Pronovost and Cadet linked the shortage of TES to the rising incidents of violence in schools.
