WQSB resisting Quebec’s school reopening plan   

The Western Québec School Board (WQSB) may not comply with Quebec’s decision to reopen on May 11. More specifically, the WQSB made it clear that while it respects the provincial directive to reopen elementary schools, it remains steadfast in its stand that in order to meet the directive, it will not move forward unless all safety standards and expectations for students and staff have been met. 

Alain Guy, WQSB’s chairman, said “We have an essential duty to ensure the health and safety of all our students and staff at all times.” He feels it’s almost impossible in such a short period of time to have the schools ready for reopening on May 11, given all the measures that need to be put in place. As such, the WQSB, along with other English school boards in the province, will decide on their own if and when each of the schools and centres may reopen. And this, only once it has been established that all required conditions have been fully met. 

The WQSB believes there are far too many unknowns that compromise the ability of school boards to safely and effectively reopen schools, and that the implementation of the required measures will vary significantly in their schools and may not be possible in some areas. 

Rhonda Boucher, Chair of the WQSB Parents Committee, added, “it is of utmost importance that the health, safety and well-being of all our staff remains the number one priority. There remain so many unanswered questions that require responses.” 

The issue of schools reopening will be considered by the council of commissioners later this week, and their final decision will be communicated to Quebec’s government.  [Local Journalism Initiative]