Non-compliance with matters of secularism: auditors sent to 17 schools in Quebec

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The Ministry of Education has received several complaints since the Bedford School report was published in October. The reports all concern “issues linked to non-compliance with obligations in terms of secularism”, we can read in a press release sent Thursday morning. To respond, the ministry will send auditors to 17 schools in Quebec.

Among the information that has been transmitted to the Ministry of Education in recent weeks, we note breaches linked to the four principles of the Law on State Secularism, namely the separation of the State and religions, neutrality religion of the State, equality of all citizens, freedom of conscience and freedom of religionit is written in the press release.

Audits will be carried out in the following 17 schools starting today and until January 17:

• CSS de la Capitale – Sainte-Odile School,
• CSS de la Capitale – Cardinal Roy School,
• CSS Marguerite-Bourgeoys – École Henri-Beaulieu,
• CSS Marie-Victorin – School of the Saints-Anges,
• CSS des Mille-Îles – Jean-Jacques-Rousseau School,
• CSS de Montréal – Saint-Pascal-Baylon School,
• CSS de Montréal – Bienville School,
• CSS de Montréal – École La Voie,
• CSS de Montréal – Saint-Justin School,
• CSS de Montréal – Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption School,
• CSS de Montréal – École la Dauversière-Évangéline,
• CSS de Laval – Mont-de-La Salle School,
• CSS de Laval – Leblanc School,
• CSS des Découvreurs – Filteau School of International Education,
• CSS des Draveurs – Érablière comprehensive school,
• CSS des Rives-du-Saguenay – Saint-Isidore School,
• CSS des Rives-du-Saguenay – Saint-Denis School.

A detailed portrait of the actions taken will be drawn up by the auditors over the coming weeks and will subsequently make it possible to respond to the mandate that the Premier of Quebec entrusted to the Minister of Education and the Minister responsible for Secularism on the 22nd. last Octoberindicates the ministry. In light of the results, all measures to be taken will be evaluated to strengthen controls and secularism in schools.

More details to come.