Quebec Students Required to Address Teachers Formally Under New Rules

Students in Quebec will now be required to address their teachers using formal titles such as “Mr.” and “Ms.” as part of new civility rules implemented by the provincial government. This initiative, announced in late 2025, aims to promote respect and courteous behavior within public and private schools across the province. The rules come into effect as students return to class after the winter break.

Implementation of Formal Address and Conduct Codes

Under the new guidelines, schools have until January 2026 to establish a code of conduct that mandates students to use formal language when addressing educators. This includes employing the formal form of “you” in French, which is expected to reinforce a culture of respect among students and staff. Additionally, schools must define respectful interactions among students and towards school property, while emphasizing gender equality.

André Bernier, president of an association representing school principals and administrators, supports the requirement for formal language. He believes that this change can enhance respect within the educational environment. However, he expressed concerns that the rules should have been implemented at the beginning of the academic year rather than mid-year. Bernier also suggested that the formal address may not be suitable for students in kindergarten.

Enforcement of the Code of Conduct

As part of the new civility rules, schools are tasked with determining appropriate sanctions for students who fail to comply with the code of conduct. Possible disciplinary measures could range from warnings to more severe actions, such as expulsion, depending on the nature of the infraction.

This initiative reflects a broader effort by the Quebec government to instill values of respect and civility within the educational system. The new rules are expected to foster a more formal and respectful atmosphere in classrooms, aligning with the province’s educational goals.

The information in this report is attributed to The Canadian Press, which first published the details on January 5, 2026. As schools adapt to these changes, the impact on student-teacher relationships and overall classroom dynamics remains to be seen.