Education

In 1977, Quebec’s National Assembly adopted the French Language Charter (Bill 101), which states that all children must be educated in French until the end of their secondary studies, whether in a public school or a subsidized private school. This ruling does not apply to Quebec’s colleges and universities or to non-subsidized private institutions. The French Language Charter allows for certain cases in which children are able to pursue their studies in English at public or subsidized private schools.

Anyone who wants to send a child to an English school (elementary or secondary only) must apply for an eligibility certificate for that child. A certificate of eligibility is usually given to children:

1. who have received the major part of their elementary or secondary school instruction in English in Canada;
2. whose brother or sister completed the major part of his or her elementary or secondary studies in English in Canada;
3. whose father or mother completed the major part of his or her elementary studies in English in Canada;
4. whose father or mother attended school in Quebec after August 26, 1977, and could have been declared eligible for instruction in English at that time.

Special cases may also be considered. A temporary authorization may also be granted to dependent children of persons living temporarily to work or study in Quebec. Temporary authorizations may also be granted to dependent children of members of the Canadian Armed Forces posted temporarily in Quebec.

For more details or an application form, contact the Eastern Shores School Board or one of its schools (see listings under Education in this guide). You can also call the provincial Ministry of Education at 1-866-747-6626 or visit their website.