Lester B. Pearson School Board Joins Legal Challenge of Quebec Government’s Proposed Budget Cuts
by Darren Becker
The Lester B. Pearson School Board has joined the Quebec English School Boards Association’s (QESBA’s) legal challenge regarding the validity of budgetary rules for 2025-2026 which restrict management and control of resources guaranteed by section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The decision was taken at a special meeting of the LBPSB Council of Commissioners that was held last night, August 14, 2025.
As part of the lawsuit the QESBA is challenging certain Quebec government budgetary rules and is seeking a stay of their application. As well, last June, the Council of Commissioners adopted a resolution calling on the Quebec government to withdraw the budget cuts.
“There have been significant disturbances to our budget building process and ability to present a balanced budget, necessary by law, ever since the Ministry of Education imposed unreasonable and unworkable budgetary rules upon the entire education system in Quebec in June,” said Judith Kelley, Chairperson of the Lester B. Pearson School Board’s Council of Commissioners.
“As minority language school boards in Canada, English school boards are entitled to specific rights — including the authority to manage and allocate resources in ways that best serve our communities. The LBPSB supports this legal challenge and remains optimistic that the Quebec courts will recognize the strength of our case and issue a timely decision that safeguards the future of our students.” says Chair Kelley.
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Thank you