Parents Rally in Montreal Demanding Reinvestment in Education

Parents in Montreal convened on Sunday, September 7, 2025, to protest significant cuts to the education budget, expressing their dissatisfaction with the current state of the school system. As they gathered outside the Ministry of Education, many voiced their concerns that the system is “running on fumes.”

During a press conference, Geneviève Simon Potvin, a mother of two high school students and a member of the parent organization Uni-es pour l’école, criticized the government’s claims of reinvestment. “We no longer believe a word the minister says when he claims money is being reinvested in schools. What we see on the ground is a system in desperate need of significant funding,” she stated. This grassroots movement arose in response to the announcement of cuts exceeding $570 million to public and private schools in Quebec for the 2025-26 academic year.

In an attempt to address the backlash, the Legault government announced an additional $540 million for student services, contingent upon efforts to reduce overall spending. The office of Education Minister Bernard Drainville reiterated its commitment to education, claiming, “We cannot say it enough: education is our top priority. It’s factual, we are investing massively, more than any government ever has.” The minister’s office highlighted that the education budget has risen by nearly 60 percent since 2018, while acknowledging the need for school service centres to manage administrative operations without compromising student services.

Calls for Sustainable Reinvestment

The protest in Montreal is not an isolated event; it follows nearly 50 similar demonstrations across Quebec over the summer. Simon Potvin emphasized that the movement is protesting not only the recent cuts but also the cumulative impact of reductions over the past decades. “As parents, we’re worried. We know the cuts have caused harm, and the story isn’t over yet,” she said, adding that she is also the chair of a parent committee in Estrie.

Another parent, Adam Pétrin, who is also a college-level teacher, expressed his concerns about the ongoing impact of these cuts. While classroom instruction may not be directly affected, he noted that essential support services such as psychologists, special educators, and guidance counsellors are under threat. “These aren’t always visible because classroom teaching continues, with teachers taking on the burden themselves, but it puts pressure on staff,” Pétrin explained. He cited examples of staff shortages in his college’s reprography service, which often delay essential materials, forcing him to take on extra work.

Parents are united in their demand for a major and sustainable reinvestment in education. They plan to continue their protests until their voices are heard or until elections take place. “This isn’t the last time you’ll hear from us,” Pétrin asserted.

Support from Unions and Political Figures

The gathering drew the attention of various unions and community organizations, with Quebec solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal and other party members joining the protest. Ghazal stated, “It’s very important for Quebec solidaire and for me to be present with the people who are keeping our public schools afloat and with parents struggling because their children aren’t receiving the services they’re entitled to.”

The ongoing dialogue between parents, educators, and government officials highlights the pressing need for a comprehensive strategy to address funding shortfalls in Quebec’s education system. As the situation develops, parents remain resolute in their pursuit of a better future for their children’s education.