Quebec Solidaire has announced an ambitious $340 million education plan aimed at cutting school dropout rates in half across the province. The left-wing party’s co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal revealed the proposal on August 31, 2026, during a press conference in Gatineau, outlining a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Quebec’s public education system within a first mandate.
The Quebec dropout rate currently hovers around 14%, and Québec solidaire aims to slash that figure to just 7% by 2030. This bold initiative comes amid growing concerns about educational inequality and the long-term economic impact of students leaving school without completing their studies.
Key Investments in Public Schools
The $340 million investment would primarily fund the hiring of 2,000 new employees for the public education sector. This includes 1,500 support staff members and 500 additional professionals who would work directly with students facing academic challenges.
Ghazal emphasized the critical importance of these resources during her announcement. The party believes that increasing personnel in schools will provide students with the individualized attention they need to succeed academically and stay engaged with their education.
“What creates the most wealth in Quebec is public education. It’s one of the most beautiful legacies of previous generations.”
The investment also includes measures to protect school budgets for essential items such as book purchases and student field trips, ensuring that educational institutions maintain quality programming despite financial pressures.
Ending the Three-Speed School System
A cornerstone of the Quebec Solidaire education platform is the creation of what the party calls the “Common School Network” (Réseau scolaire commun). This initiative targets Quebec’s controversial three-tier education system, which critics argue perpetuates inequality among students.
Under this proposal, private schools wishing to continue receiving public funding would face significant requirements. They would need to stop selecting students based on grades and eliminate tuition fees entirely. Schools meeting these conditions would then be integrated into the common network.
This approach represents a fundamental restructuring of how education operates in Quebec. The party argues that the current system creates advantages for wealthier families while leaving public school students with fewer resources and opportunities.
The Economic Cost of School Dropouts
The financial impact of school dropouts on Quebec’s economy is staggering. According to a 2024 study analyzing income disparities between graduates and non-graduates, the province loses approximately $14 billion annually due to students leaving school early.
This translates to more than $23,000 per person who chooses to drop out of school. These figures underscore why investing in dropout prevention isn’t just a social imperative but an economic necessity for Quebec’s future prosperity.
The connection between education completion rates and economic outcomes has implications beyond individual earnings. It affects workforce development, tax revenues, and the overall competitiveness of the Quebec economy in an increasingly knowledge-based global market.
Read more: Canada Investment Board: McKinsey Ex-Chief Takes Helm
Criticism of Previous Governments
During the press conference, Ghazal did not hold back in criticizing previous Quebec administrations. She accused them of under-funding the education sector and effectively “mortgaging the success of young people” through what she characterized as a “collective failure.”
Alejandra Zaga Mendez, the outgoing member of the National Assembly for Verdun, also attended the announcement. She reinforced the party’s message about educational equality and its importance to Quebec society.
“The role of public school is to fight against inequalities. Not to accentuate them. That’s why it upsets us.”
The party’s position reflects broader concerns about how educational policy in Quebec has evolved over recent decades and whether current systems adequately serve all students regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Campaign Trail Addresses Workers’ Concerns
Following the Gatineau announcement, Quebec Solidaire headed to the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region for afternoon and evening campaign activities. The party visited the Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM) forestry plant in Témiscaming.
This facility faces a dire situation, with 400 unionized workers scheduled for layoffs on September 15, 2026. The plant has been severely impacted by a new wave of American tariffs, highlighting the ongoing economic challenges facing Quebec’s forestry sector.
The visit demonstrates how Quebec Solidaire’s campaign is attempting to connect education policy with broader economic concerns affecting working families across the province. The persistence of American trade policy continues to affect Canadian workers in multiple sectors.
For the Latin community in Quebec, these education reforms could have significant implications. Immigrant families often face unique challenges in navigating the provincial education system, and policies aimed at reducing inequality and increasing support services could benefit newcomers seeking to establish themselves in the province.
The Quebec election campaign continues to heat up as parties present their visions for the province’s future. Education policy remains a central issue for voters concerned about opportunities for the next generation.
How much would Quebec Solidaire invest in education?
Quebec Solidaire proposes investing $340 million in public education, primarily to hire 2,000 new employees including 1,500 support staff and 500 professionals.
What is the target for reducing school dropout rates?
The party aims to reduce Quebec’s school dropout rate from approximately 14% to 7% by 2030, effectively cutting the current rate in half.
What is the “Common School Network” proposal?
The Common School Network would require private schools receiving public funding to stop selecting students based on grades and eliminate tuition fees to join a unified education system.
How much does school dropout cost Quebec annually?
According to a 2024 study, Quebec loses approximately $14 billion per year due to school dropouts, representing over $23,000 per person who leaves school early.
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