Introducing universal second-language education
Learning a second language is one more tool our young people can master to open their horizons, pursue new opportunities and communicate with the rest of the world. The Green Party of Quebec therefore supports the introduction of second-language learning for all Quebec students. Since studies show that it's easier to learn languages at a young age, bilingual instruction will begin in kindergarten through to the end of high school, and will be set at 25% of school time.
Environment and healthy living
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The Parti Vert du Québec wants to support schools so that each one has a green plan that includes waste reduction, the reduction of single-use plastics (bottles, utensils, plastic film), school composting, a clearer reuse and recovery policy and the reduction of food waste.
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In Quebec, many schools are in a pitiful state. Poor air quality, insufficient natural lighting, asbestos insulation and lack of maintenance are still being denounced across the province. The Green Party of Quebec proposes that building and air quality monitoring be entrusted to independent firms.
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The Green Party of Quebec also supports the recommendation of a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity per day starting in elementary school. This measure will make students more physically fit and more willing to learn.
School curriculum
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The Green Party of Quebec supports the addition of priority environmental elements to existing programs to enable the next generation to become leaders in the fight against climate change.
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We propose implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada to better inform young Quebecers about the historical wrongs committed by our governments against First Nations. We also believe that genocides, as well as the contributions of women and ethnic minorities, are not sufficiently covered in current history courses. The Green Party of Quebec therefore proposes to integrate the reality of women and ethnic minorities into history courses.
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The Green Party of Quebec believes it's essential to include a comprehensive sex education program in the Quebec school curriculum, from elementary to high school. This program should include, among other things, the notion of consent, respectful relationships and the reality of the LGBTQIA2+ minority.
Free schooling
The Green Party of Quebec supports free tuition so that everyone can pursue a post-secondary education, regardless of their financial means. Free education is an issue that has a great deal of support among Quebecers. This policy would ensure that a greater number of Quebecers could take training courses. It allows Quebec to capitalize on the know-how of our people, rather than on the extraction of our natural resources as an economic driver.
Divestment from fossil fuels
In Quebec, all universities have financial investments in fossil fuel companies. We believe that the Quebec government, and all these institutions, should follow the scientific evidence that fossil fuels present an extremely serious threat to the planet, and immediately cease their investments in fossil fuels.
The right to strike
In Quebec, there is a tradition of student democracy and student strikes that have marked the province's history. Despite this fact, the right to student democracy and student strikes is not enshrined in Quebec law. This led to numerous violent clashes during the 2012 student strike, as strike votes were not recognized by the courts. The Green Party of Quebec proposes to recognize the reality of student strikes and enshrine the right to strike in Quebec law, to avoid conflict during these rare political events.
School democracy and reform of school service centers (Bill 40)
A Green government will delegate responsibility for buildings to municipalities, and school service centers will also handle school materials. The taxing power of school service centers will be abolished. Funding for school service centers will come from the Ministry of Education, and municipalities will collect the taxes needed to maintain the buildings.
School election reform
To enhance, stimulate and reinvigorate school democracy, the Green Party of Quebec proposes reserving the right to vote and stand in school elections solely to teachers employed by school service centers and to parents of minor children. They would have a consultative role with their schools, and at secondary level, they would sit on school service centers with voting rights.
Culture
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Culture is often perceived as a source of expense, when in fact it's an important source of revenue. We want to make it an important pillar of our economy by giving it the place it deserves. Quebec culture is rich and shines throughout the world, and is a major driver of domestic and international tourism. However, we need to promote it and finance it adequately if we are to benefit from the significant economic spin-offs that will ensue.
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We support La Coalition La culture, le cœur du Québec's proposal to increase the culture budget from 1.1% to 2.2%.
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Cultural subsidies should also be aimed at promoting the culture of minority groups and First Nations, who form an essential part of Quebec society.