On April 19, 2023, the Quebec government approved a directive issued by the Minister of Education concerning religious practices in public schools, vocational training centers, and adult education centers. This directive introduces regulations designed to uphold the secular nature of educational institutions in Quebec.

The directive empowers the Minister of Education to issue directives on the administration, organization, and operations of school service centers. The latest directive specifically targets religious practices within educational settings, aligning with Quebec’s broader principles of secularism and neutrality.

The directive emphasizes adherence to state secularism, including the separation of religion from the state and the religious neutrality of state institutions. It prohibits public educational facilities—encompassing schools, vocational training centers, and adult education centers—from designating areas or times for religious practices. This measure is intended to maintain institutional neutrality and avoid any appearance of endorsing religion.

It follows the 1997 Constitutional Amendment and the 2000 Act aimed at making school boards non-denominational. Furthermore, the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Act respecting the Laicity of the State reinforce the necessity of a secular approach in public services and institutions.

The directive is aimed at safeguarding students’ freedom of conscience by ensuring they are not subjected to direct or indirect pressure to engage in religious practices. It mandates that educational institutions provide neutral spaces, free from religious influence, so that students can exercise their freedom of conscience without coercion.

It mandates that the director generals of school service centers ensure compliance and address any deviations promptly, including implementing corrective measures if institutions fail to adhere to the directive.

Source: Quebec (OC 707-2023), May 3, 2023.