The newly appointed Minister of Education, Sonia LeBel, is upholding the existing “three-tiered school system,” a stance echoed by her predecessor, Bernard Drainville. This system comprises private schools, public schools with specialized programs, and regular public schools, with varying levels of recognition.
In a statement released by her office to The Canadian Press on Tuesday, LeBel emphasized her support for the current structure. She declined an interview request from the news agency.
LeBel emphasized that the private sector supplements rather than replaces the public sector and shares the common goal of student success. She highlighted the importance of families choosing the educational path that best suits their needs, emphasizing collaboration rather than competition between the sectors.
Bernard Drainville, who took office in 2022, also defended the three-tiered system, viewing the private, selective public, and regular public schools as complementary entities.
Despite this support, critics have long criticized Quebec’s tiered system for perpetuating social inequalities. They argue that the brightest and most privileged students often opt for private schools, leaving public schools with a disproportionate number of disadvantaged students and those facing learning challenges, thereby burdening teachers.
The Conseil supérieur de l’éducation’s 2016 report labeled Quebec’s school system as the most unequal in Canada. A 2019 study from the Université de Montréal revealed significant disparities in university attendance rates between students in different types of schools.
The late sociologist Guy Rocher condemned Quebec’s three-tiered system, describing it as a hindrance to achieving social equality. A recent University of Toronto study highlighted Quebec’s high level of socioeconomic segregation among schools compared to other Canadian provinces.
On the legislative front, the debate over school segmentation continues in the National Assembly. In 2023, the Parti Québécois proposed a contract with private schools, stipulating an end to student selection processes. Additionally, Québec solidaire introduced Bill 895 aimed at creating a common school network that eliminates selection based on grades, garnering significant public support.
