On September 7, CAQ leader Christine Fréchette questioned the three‑tier structure of Quebec's education system, citing a public health report that links it to health inequalities among Montreal youth.
The report, released earlier this year, found that the way schools are organized correlates with disparities in health outcomes for young people in Montreal. It suggests that the tiered arrangement may create unequal access to resources, contributing to differences in physical and mental health.
Fréchette said she does not believe the system is truly three‑tiered, implying that the classification does not reflect reality and may be a factor in the observed health gaps. She called for a review of the school structure.
Quebec's education system traditionally comprises three levels—primary, secondary, and post‑secondary. The new findings add a public health dimension to ongoing debates about educational equity. The CAQ government has not yet announced specific policy changes, but the comments suggest the issue will be examined.
Public health officials highlighted that youth in lower‑income neighborhoods experience higher rates of chronic conditions and mental‑health challenges compared with peers in more affluent areas. The report attributes part of this gap to the school system's tiered organization, which can affect exposure to supportive programs and health education.
The report's conclusions could influence future decisions on how schools are organized in Montreal, with potential impacts on resource allocation and health services for students. Stakeholders may need to consider how educational arrangements intersect with health outcomes.
The CAQ may commission further studies to assess the impact of restructuring schools on health equity. If changes are pursued, they could involve modifying enrollment zones, enhancing services in under‑served schools, or integrating health initiatives across all tiers.