Quebec to conduct investigation into sexual misconduct in schools

MONTREAL – The Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, announced Tuesday the launch of a “general” investigation into sexual misconduct in schools following multiple denunciations and allegations of sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior in the school system.

Mr. Drainville indicated that he had mandated officials to shed light “on any situation involving behaviour that could reasonably be expected to threaten the physical or psychological safety of students, including those that are brought to the attention of the Ministry of Education.”

The Minister was responding ton a question by Québec solidaire MNA Ruba Ghazal about sexual assaults allegedly committed against students at a high school in Cowansville, in the Eastern Townships.

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These young people and their parents have denounced these acts to the school administration and the school service center, “but nothing has been done to really protect them,” said the education critic.

Mr. Drainville confirmed that just before entering the National Assembly he signed a letter giving the green light to a general inquiry, which could also include the situation in Cowansville.

Ghazal called for a law similar to the one that applies in CEGEPs and universities to strengthen measures to prevent sexual violence.

“It would even complement the work of the Quebec student ombudsman, whom I met recently. He told me that having a framework law could help him in his work. It is complementary, not contradictory,” she said.

Mr. Drainville replied that regional student ombudsmen will take office by next September, and that they will be able to “take priority in cases of sexual violence in schools.

The report by The Canadian Press was published in French on March 21, 2023.