The Minister of Education is retraining as a clear-cutting lumberjack

The Fédération du personnel de soutien scolaire (FPSS-CSQ) is demanding transparency from the Legault government. Since late fall, the Premier has been repeating that he just wants school service centers and school boards to respect their budgets. It turns out, however, that Mr. Legault has instead retrained his Minister of Education as a lumberjack, giving him a clear-cutting mission.

Over $1.6 billion in cuts

“Our education system has had to endure over $1.6 billion of budget cuts since last July. And that’s just the amount we’ve managed to uncover. The government needs to be transparent and acknowledge the extent of the damage,” says Éric Pronovost, President of the Fédération du personnel de soutien scolaire (FPSS-CSQ).

The almost complete elimination of food aid is one of the most alarming cuts, retaining only snacks and emergency meals for the most vulnerable students. We’ve also witnessed the elimination of essential positions, the cancellation of new infrastructure projects, the restriction of purchases of educational materials, the abolition of training intended for school staff, as well as the withdrawal of several allocations and support funds, jeopardizing the quality of student supervision.

Daycare services are particularly affected, no longer being able to purchase basic supplies, such as paper, pencils, glue and cardboard.

Pronovost says: “We are faced with an unacceptable situation. These cuts are not simply numbers, they also have real and dramatic consequences on the ground. It is unacceptable that our daycare services can no longer even buy paper or pencils for our students. We are witnessing a gradual disengagement of the State from public education, and this cannot continue.”

A direct impact on students and staff

The cuts directly affect students and school staff. Obsolete laptops are not being replaced and funds allocated for staff improvement are withdrawn. Purchasing equipment for students is blocked and printing paper is strictly controlled. The FPSS-CSQ also points to limits on cultural and athletic outings and IT and material resources.

Replacing teaching and professional staff members with lower-level employees is being encouraged to achieve savings.

Salary savings from positions left vacant since the beginning of the school year will not be reinvested in expenses but instead used to reach demanded budget targets. The cuts also affect vocational training and general adult education centers, with allocations withdrawn and not redistributed to establishments and administrative services.

These drastic cuts will continue until at least June 30, 2025, with major repercussions on the organization of staffing levels for the 2025-2026 school year. The FPSS-CSQ is demanding an immediate review of these measures and a commitment from the government to fund education in a way that can ensure an environment that fosters student success and respect for the working conditions of staff.

Cuts with serious consequences

Many school centers and boards say they no longer have space to accommodate students. Schools are overflowing to the point where physical education classes must be held outdoors, and school centers and boards will exceed their capacity next year. But the government is still choosing to put most of the expansion and construction projects that have been announced on hold.

An untenable situation for school support staff

We are asking the Legault government for transparency. It’s not normal that Legault denies making these budget cuts, that we have had to file numerous access to information requests to get an idea of the extent of these austerity measures in education and that despite everything, we still do not have a clear picture of the situation.

“These budget cuts are unacceptable and jeopardize the quality of education and the well-being of students and school support staff. They will have repercussions for several years. We are asking the government to review these measures and reinvest in our education system to ensure a healthy and safe learning environment for all,” concludes Éric Pronovost.