The LBPSB is proud of Lester B. Pearson Continuing Education (LBPCE), the Adult and Vocational sector of the Lester B. Pearson School Board. LBPCE provides opportunities for adults to achieve their educational objectives in a wide scope of disciplines. Adult Education, and I am quoting from the Place Cartier website, “serves a large population of students, aged 16 to 80, at two campuses on the West Island. A visit to either location reveals a widely diverse and multi-cultural student body. These dynamics contribute to a rich and vibrant community. Our caring staff makes sure that all of our students feel welcome.

Students attend Place Cartier for a variety of reasons that include completing social integration programming, working towards a High School Diploma, learning French and English conversation, finishing pre-requisites for career training programs or obtaining the necessary credits to enroll at CEGEP or University. We want our students to be successful. We provide the skills, information and guidance as they go through our programs and we enthusiastically celebrate their achievements.”

Outside of Adult Education, the Vocational sector includes within its scope of 35 programs, to name only a few: Accounting, Assistance in Health Care, Palliative Care, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistance, Auto Mechanics, Electricity, Plumbing and Heating, Computer support, Esthetics, Hairdressing, Food and Beverage, Sommelier, Bread-Making … the list goes on. I invite you to visit the website for an extensive understanding of this important and incredibly successful sector in public education at the LBPSB.

Yet, when a motion as tabled by the Parti Québécois at The National Assembly last week, for English School Board Vocational centres/students to be subject to the provisions of the Charter of the French Language, a “loophole in Bill 101” which was rejected by the CAQ, yes, but not without Minister Roberge stating he plans to table another bill or directive on the topic which would include Adult education, I think I can speak for the majority of us in our sector that our hearts collectively sank and our blood boiled. Why, why would we have to deal with even more legislation or changes to eligibility to diminish the excellent work we do in providing all adults, regardless of their backgrounds, access to specialized education and training to prepare them for new careers, new opportunities, and critical ways to not only change their lives but to contribute to Quebec society in significant ways? Why, why would any politician or political party want to obstruct adult students from making personal choices to continue their education by intentionally erecting barriers to education? Let us hope that empathy, compassion, respect for an individual’s dignity and common sense prevails at the National Assembly.

It seemed the English School Board community was making progress in its defense of English Education minority rights with a clear ruling in August 2023 by Judge Lussier on Bill 40 confirming our governance rights. And then this month, after the QESBA lobbied heavily on our behalf against Bill 23: An Act to amend mainly the Education Act …which includes certain sections that clearly violate section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms regarding our right to manage and control our school boards; and, after the Quebec Liberal Party’s Education critic fought tirelessly to have these unconstitutional sections of the Bill suspended; and, after Education Minister Drainville finally agreed to table an amendment suspending these sections of the Bill, the English school boards were once again faced with the possibility of even more challenges in delivering the best education we can to our students! We cannot stop the fight for our rights and for English education in Quebec, regardless of how exhausted and defeated we feel at times.

I am sure our striking teachers, our professionals, local 800 and other members of the common front feel the same. They cannot give up the fight to ensure that they will receive the recognition they deserve, despite the frustration they feel in not being heard and in always having to struggle to be respected in their chosen professions where they just want to be able to do the very best they can for the people they serve in our society.

You will hear in the Council reports and resolutions presented tonight, that the Council of Commissioners has been very engaged and busy with its committee work this month, in policy consultation review, in discussions about the work done across the board and in their care and stewardship of the LBPSB. I also remind you to read the Pearson News to discover the incredible, innovative and amazing projects and people behind the scenes at the LBPSB.

I thank you for your civility and kindness and for caring about the LBPSB.

Judith Kelley – Chairperson, LBPSB