Montreal, September 7, 2026 – Coalition Avenir Québec minister Christine Fréchette publicly questioned the three‑tier structure of Quebec's education system after a recent public health report linked the arrangement to health inequalities among young people in the city. Fréchette stated she does not believe the system truly operates in three distinct tiers, pointing to the report's findings that the organization of primary, secondary and CEGEP levels appears to exacerbate disparities in health outcomes for Montreal students.
The health report, released earlier this week, highlighted a pattern in which the current school framework contributes to uneven access to health resources, differing rates of chronic conditions, and varying mental‑health challenges across the youth population. While the document did not provide specific numerical data, it emphasized that the structural separation of educational stages may be a factor in the observed gaps.
Education has long been a cornerstone of Quebec's public policy, traditionally divided into the three levels of primary school, secondary school and post‑secondary CEGEP institutions. The issue has entered the provincial election campaign as parties assess how to address the new health data. The CAQ, which leads the provincial government, now faces scrutiny over whether its longstanding model aligns with emerging public‑health evidence.
Opposition parties have indicated they will examine the report and consider reforms that could integrate health considerations into the schooling system. Meanwhile, school boards in Montreal are reviewing internal policies to mitigate the highlighted disparities, though no concrete measures have been announced.
Fréchette's remarks signal a potential shift in the government's approach to education, as health equity becomes a more prominent factor in policy discussions. The coming weeks are expected to see further debate on whether structural changes to the school system are warranted to address the health gaps identified in the report.