Press release
Protest today in front of the Prime Minister’s office
9 July 2025
Education cuts: yet another CAQ failure
Montreal, July 9, 2025 – The Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL) strongly denounces the Legault government’s announcement of more than half a billion dollars in cuts to education. These cuts, brought forward by Education Minister Bernard Drainville, further weaken a public education system already stretched to the breaking point. Today, as workers and dozens of concerned parents gather in front of the Premier’s office, the QFL stands in full solidarity with them and urges its members to mobilize.
“What we are witnessing today is the result of the CAQ’s incompetence. Since taking office, this government has presided over the steady decline of our public services. This is what happens when a government grants itself a 30% salary increase while failing spectacularly in economic projects like Northvolt. This is a government running out of steam, one that has failed to change course and is now prepared to mortgage the future of an entire generation. And let’s not forget all the people already worn down who are now being asked to do even more with even less,” said QFL General Secretary Denis Bolduc.
The proposed cuts will have direct consequences on student success, especially for the most vulnerable, and will worsen already precarious working conditions for thousands of education workers. Vital positions in special education and school support are at risk, despite the CAQ’s claims to value education. For the QFL, these budget decisions reflect a deep disregard for public services and for the people who uphold them day in and day out. Education should never be treated as a balancing item in a government’s troubled budget.
“This is the result of poor choices and a lack of vision from a business-oriented government that lowered taxes, emptied public coffers with election-year handouts, and now wants to spend over $10 billion on a third highway link—all while cutting off social dialogue by ramming through Bill 89, which limits the right to strike and directly attacks workers in Quebec. Frankly, if it weren’t so sad, it would be laughable. In our schools, people are living the reality on the ground: a climate of uncertainty and exhaustion. Every cut, every non-renewed contract, means one less service for students and an extra burden on those who remain. This is unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with the workers demonstrating today in front of François Legault’s office. The CAQ must come to its senses and deliver accessible, high-quality public services that truly meet the needs of the population,” concluded Denis Bolduc.
A citizens’ rally against the cuts announced by Minister Bernard Drainville, and in defense of our public education system, will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in front of Premier François Legault’s office in L’Assomption.
The QFL, Quebec’s largest central labour organization, represents more than 600,000 workers.
Translated into English by SEU 800 from the original French-language press release issued by the QFL.