Premier Francois Legault hopes Quebec schools will be better equipped for the next total solar eclipse scheduled for 2106.
On Monday, the day of the total eclipse in North America, half of school service centers closed their doors, a decision made primarily for safety reasons. Others have chosen to install students in closed rooms so that they can experience the historic moment by following it, in some cases, on television.
Asked about the schools' reaction on Tuesday, Prime Minister Legault declared, “We are never wrong when we let parents, teachers, people decide locally.”
“We don't have much experience with total eclipses, so there may be some people who don't find a way to put glasses on for everyone. In 82 years, I'm sure we'll do better,” he said with a smile.
For his part, Education Minister Bernard Trinville promised that “if it had to be done again, it would be the same result”. “I was very consistent. I wanted schools to stay open, but I wanted to ensure the safety of the students first,” he said.
In recent weeks, his ministry sent out “guidance” to schools, recommending that they “avoid conducting outdoor activities” during the eclipse, between 2:11pm and 4:45pm. However, the ministry encouraged “to keep schools open”. “Encouraging scientific activities” he said.
A “very sad” error
In the press scrum, PQ MP Pascal Bérubé recalled that the minister had the power to impose instructions on the network, and that he did so, in particular by banning cell phones in classes and prayer rooms in schools. “There, he chose not to do it. It's a mistake, it's a very bad mark on the minister's notebook,” he added. The opposition representative recalled that under Minister Trinville's education reform, he had the power to overturn the results of school service centers.
“I am very sad that all the young people of Quebec are not there [aient participé] For a historical event, unifying and educational as well. “Once again, we can see that the CAQ government has missed the boat,” said interim Liberal leader Mark Tanguay.
Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, of Quebec City, said he fears “lost a career or careers” because Quebec schools don't plan well. “I think we could have managed it early. It's predictable, eclipsed: that's all we can say. So, why aren't conversations taking place in advance to make sure that maybe the service centers that should be guaranteed or supported are there and then all the children of Quebec can benefit? However, in the academic experience, it's Exciting?” he asked.
As he often does, Minister Trinville said “It was not the 16the “What's good” for Quebec's schools must be decided on the G floor of the complex that houses the offices of the Ministry of Education. “There is power of command [pour le ministre], but once again, it is necessary to find a balance between science teaching and student safety,” he argued. “If I had to do it again, it would be the same decision. I would say to the schools: I would like them to be open, but you have to decide. »
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