Plan to Promote "Culture of Civility" in Schools Announced by the Premier of Quebec

Premier François Legault has tasked his education minister with developing a strategy to foster greater respect and civic-mindedness in Quebec schools.

This announcement was made at the annual convention of the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) Commission de la Relève in Saint-Hyacinthe, Montérégie, where around 150 delegates passed motions aimed at promoting a “culture of civility” in schools across the province.

CAQ Youth President Aurélie Diep highlighted the increasing violence and lack of civility observed in schools in recent years.

“The Relève caquiste is therefore proposing a change of direction to bring back civic-mindedness into the classroom. This starts with restoring a sense of decorum,” Diep said in a recent press release.

The commission's recommendations include the adoption of formal “vous” instead of “tu” in all educational institutions from nursery school onward, the implementation of mandatory uniforms in secondary schools, and mandatory training programs for students and their parents who engage in violence and intimidation.

Legault expressed support for the proposal to hold students and their parents accountable, noting that respect for teachers is an ongoing issue in industrialized societies.

He also praised the CAQ Commission Relève, which comprises young adults aged 16 to 30, on social media. “La Relève de la CAQ issued an important reminder last week,” Legault said in a Sept. 7 X post.

“As Premier, I heard it. From now on, I am entrusting our Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, with the mandate to take action on good citizenship in schools.”

Drainville, who delivered a pre-taped speech at the convention, described the youth coalition’s ideas as “inspiring” and expressed his willingness to consider their proposals.

“You’re going to shake us up a little bit, there’s nothing at stake, be daring,” he posted on social media.

“I’m not saying I’m going to agree with everything, but I like the idea of young people putting forward innovative ideas and new proposals.”

Diep emphasized that the proposals aim to address the behavior of a “small minority of students who prevent everyone else from enjoying school.”

She criticized the lack of punishment for reprehensible behavior, often due to disengaged parents who defend their children even when they are in the wrong.

“Schools must therefore have the necessary powers to impose appropriate sanctions,” Diep said.