As the November 3rd, 2024 school board elections approach, it is critical for Quebec’s English-speaking community to pay close attention. The future of education governance is on the line and participating in this process is a fundamental right that should not be overlooked. Many people feel like their voice doesn’t count. Here is one way that it does.

The Fight to Protect English School Governance

The Quebec government, led by the CAQ (Coalition Avenir Québec), has been clear in its desire to strip the province’s English-speaking community of the right to manage its schools. Francophone school boards have already lost this right, with school governance shifted to government-appointed directors in June 2020. English school boards may face the same fate if current court challenges go a different way. Voting in these school board elections is not just about choosing representatives; it’s about defending the community’s right to govern its educational institutions.

How You Can Vote

To cast a ballot, you must be registered on the electoral list of one of Quebec’s nine English-speaking school boards. If you’re not sure whether you’re on the right list, it’s easy to check. The Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) website offers resources to confirm your registration or guide you on how to add your name if needed. You don’t need to have children in the system to vote, but if your children are enrolled in a French school, you won’t be eligible to vote in the English school board elections.  

Many people assume they’re registered, but may find themselves on the wrong electoral list, especially if they’ve never voted in a school board election before. Anyone aged 18 or older should check their status to ensure they’re able to vote. This is an important moment for Quebec society, and every vote counts.

The Role of the Council of Commissioners

You may wonder what school governance is all about. At its heart is the Council of Commissioners which oversees the administration, finances, and policy development of the school board. It ensures that educational needs are met, that resources are allocated wisely, and that the board remains accountable to the community.

In 2020, the LBPSB Council of Commissioners began to address issues of racism and inequity in our community. Since then, the council has worked on many important initiatives and community projects, including the recently renamed Charles “Chuck” Poirier Field, located between St. John Fisher Junior and St. John Fisher Senior elementary schools and St. Thomas High School. The council has also helped shape policies that reflect the diverse needs of our students and ensure an inclusive, equitable education system. 

Why This Election Matters for Everyone

Voting in school board elections isn’t just for parents. It’s for anyone who values community, education, and democratic governance. Attending public Governing Board meetings, participating in the LBPSB Parents’ Committee meetings, and engaging in school board council meetings are all ways to stay informed. But it starts by voting on November 3rd.

We get the governments we deserve. If you want to see change in our schools and community, now is the time to act. Voting is a chance to shape the future of education in Quebec and ensure the voices of the English-speaking community are not drowned out by political narratives that stand in the way of our ability to make change.

Be a part of the process. Make sure you’re on the list of electors and help ensure that the right to govern your schools remains in your hands.