The Conseil national du soutien scolaire — (CNSS-SEPB-Québec–FTQ) strongly condemns the budget cuts in education announced by the CAQ during the presentation of its budget this week.
The president of the CNSS, Manon Cholette, is outraged, « A somewhat responsible government should never, ever cut education. The school sector is the foundation of our society, our members shape the future of young people daily, and the CAQ is taking away the means for them to do their job well. How can we get to this point? » she asks.
Do not be fooled. The CAQ announces a 2.2% increase in education spending, but in reality, this anemic increase represents a decrease in the face of the challenges our members face.
« The infrastructure has been in disrepair for years, violence in schools is a pressing issue. More and more students require special attention, we would have hoped for announcements that would have allowed us to keep our heads above water. Instead, we are being told of a budget envelope that at best will favor the status quo and at worst will plunge the school environment into a deeper chaos « , adds Ms. Cholette.
Strengthening Law 21, Another Blow
As if that were not enough, the CAQ also announced that it plans to strengthen Law 21 to further promote secularism in the school network. The CNSS believes that this initiative will only worsen the current employee shortage in the network.
« Let’s not bury our heads in the sand, the strengthening of Law 21 mainly targets a group mostly composed of women. Many of them hold positions in our service centers and school boards, and if they are forced to choose between their faith and their job, we will lose them « , denounces Ms. Cholette.
The lack of staff in Quebec’s service centers and school boards is glaring. Recruitment and retention of staff are difficult because working conditions are not attractive.
« The government froze hiring for several months and now it proposes to issue an ultimatum to our colleagues at the risk of losing many. It is a matter of dignity for our members and, in terms of human resources, it is a serious strategic mistake « , concludes Ms. Cholette.
About CNSS
The CNSS represents nearly 8,000 school support staff from the English-speaking school boards, New Frontiers, Riverside (SEPB-576), and Sir Wilfrid-Laurier (SEPB-577) as well as the French-speaking service centers Marie-Victorin (SEPB-578) and Marguerite-Bourgeoys (SEPB-579).