Minister Drainville backtracks: The education sector cautiously welcomes the decision

The entire education sector breathed a sigh of relief when Minister Drainville announced he would not proceed with the cuts planned in June.

"We welcome the minister's decision, but with caution. Let's not forget that the damage has already been done in some school boards. Some workers have already been shown the door, and services for students have suffered," said Marie-Claude Arbour, coordinator of CUPE Quebec's education sector.

In recent weeks, CUPE Quebec and the broader education sector have mobilized with other unions and civil society groups to speak out and push back against the cuts.

"These moments show why mobilization matters. The CAQ government needs to understand that education is an investment, not an expense. We hope this becomes a learning experience for our minister - rushed decisions are never a winning strategy," said Michelle Poulin, president of CUPE Quebec's education sector.

Despite the good news, frustration remains. "Parents and workers are still wary. The government will have to work twice as hard to rebuild trust and prove that education is a priority for the CAQ. Right now, it just looks like smoke and mirrors," said Poulin.