Quebec unveils curriculum reform to replace former Ethics and Religious Culture program
Quebec unveiled an overhaul to its curriculum Sunday with a new program promising "a better understanding of our culture," according to the education minister.
The new program called "Culture and Citizenship in Quebec" will replace the former Ethics and Religious Culture program, also known as ERC.
Education Minister Jean-François Roberge announced the change Sunday, adding that a pilot project would roll out in classrooms across the province at the start of the 2022 school year. The program will be taught province-wide by 2023.
We have a Quebec way of life. We have our artists, francophone and anglophone. We have our cultural legacy and that’s the culture here in Quebec. We are not ashamed to share this culture with our kids," said Roberge.
The new program is built on three main aspects: "culture," "citizenship in Quebec," and "dialogue and critical thinking."
The "culture" componant will "highlight Quebec culture, which defines our society."
"This will allow students to grasp the culture in which they operate," read a Sunday press release, "and understand that each society is influenced by a different cultural context."
"Quebec citizenship," the second componant, aims to teach students about civic life and media literacy. It will also cover "fundamental principles" like "self respect, freedom of expression and concience, equality and secularism."
In the third componant, "dialogue and critical thinking," students "will be asked to question themselves and tackle moral dilemmas," read the announcement, "to examine cultural, religious, scientific and social references."
But not everyone thinks this change is the right approach.
Westmount High School teacher Dr. Sabrina Jafralie says fewer discussions about religion's influence "is a gross mistake."
"We have to acknowledge that religion is part of people's identity, whether you're religious or not," said Jafralie, who teachers the Culture and Quebec Citizenship program.
She questioned whether the revision is just a political strategy by the CAQ government.
"For me, this signals a political puppet play."
LISTEN ON CJAD 800 RADIO: Quebec wants to teach "critical thinking"...what is that? Political analyst Tom Mulcair weighs in
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.