In February, Quebec Education Minister Michelle Courchene announced a proposed amendment to the regime pedagogique which would enable schools to comply with the minimum required hours of secular studies by adding extra class time on Sundays. This brought a positive resolution to the issue for six Hassidic schools, which had been unable to reconcile the government’s requirements with their religious curriculum. It ensured that their students would receive the same curriculum as in all other Quebec schools.

Subsequently, the Parti Quebecois Critic for Education, Pierre Curzi, held a press conference denouncing this initiative, leading to intense media coverage, particularly in the French press for several days. Quebec Jewish Congress led community reaction on the issue, noting that the debate over Quebec identity and secularism would not be permitted to take place on the back of the Jewish community. QJC President Adam Atlas and Past Presidents Joseph Gabay and Dr. Victor Goldbloom gave dozens of interviews to various print, television and radio outlets.

Tags: CJQ, QJC