11 Ukrainian children to attend English school in Quebec in language exception
Since March 2022, 11 Ukrainian children fleeing the war in their country have been granted language exceptions to study at English schools in Quebec, according to the education ministry.
The Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) confirms it has welcomed five of those 11 students after passing a resolution in March stating it was prepared to accept Ukrainian students in its schools on humanitarian grounds.
"To date, there has been no change in the Quebec government's position regarding eligibility for English-language education," notes LBPSB spokesperson Darren Becker. "Like any refugee, Ukrainian refugees must therefore apply for eligibility under the applicable provisions of the Charter of the French Language."
Education ministry officials explain students whose parents hold temporary work permits are "eligible to receive instruction in English under the Regulation respecting the exemption from the application of the first paragraph of section 72 of the Charter of the French Language that may be granted to children temporarily residing in Quebec, RLRQ, c. C-11, r. 7."
Contrarily, those who arrive in Quebec under refugee status or who choose to obtain permanent residency must attend school in French.
"The French public school system has the expertise and resources necessary to ensure the psychological well-being of children from war-affected backgrounds and promote linguistic, academic and social integration," said the ministry. "Every year, these schools welcome thousands of children from humanitarian immigrant backgrounds, many of whom have experienced armed conflict."
The Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) has been pushing the provincial government over the last few months to consider giving exemptions to some young Ukrainians arriving in Quebec to allow them to attend English public schools.
"Some of these children undoubtedly have English as their second language and have already been through so much," stated QESBA President Dan Lamoureux.
The group insists its position has nothing to do with language politics in the province.
"We are not trying to politicize this in any way, shape, or form," added QESBA Executive Director Russell Copeman. "We are simply signalling to the government of Quebec, and to our fellow Quebecers, that English school boards are prepared to do their part on humanitarian grounds to try and help these refugees who have been through so much."
At the time, Quebec Education Minister Jean-François Roberge insisted he was committed to integrating refugees into the French school system.
However, Premier François Legault mentioned he was open to the idea of making an exception.
"We may have an interim situation where we can help them this way," Legault said. "As you know, children of people coming to Quebec have to send children to French school, but in the interim period, of course, we will accommodate them."
According to the education ministry, those arriving in Quebec do so under the Canada-Ukraine Emergency Travel Authorization (AVUCU), a "special temporary immigration program offered to Ukrainian nationals in the context of a humanitarian emergency."
Its main objective is to allow Ukrainian nationals to settle on Canadian soil quickly.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at home
Here's a summary of tips from the U.S. National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.
Here are some gardening questions, answers
When it comes to gardening, a lot of questions come up, including the best way to keep pets away from plants, maintaining your lawn and keeping the dandelions at bay.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.