Quebec Caps Fees for Special School Programs

Summary#

• This Quebec bill would make special-focus programs in public schools free for residents, up to $5,000 per student each year. It also limits how far apart the buildings of a special-project school can be.
• Key changes:
  • Makes “special pedagogical projects,” including concentration programs (special-focus tracks), free up to $5,000 per year.
  • Says certain fees must be free in all cases: selection fees, application/file opening fees, test/exam administration, and staff training costs.
  • Applies in public schools that offer preschool, elementary, or secondary education.
  • Limits a special-project school to one building, unless multiple buildings are within 250 meters of each other.

What it means for you#

• Parents and students

  • Reduced or no charges for special-focus programs in public schools, up to $5,000 per year.
  • You should not be asked to pay selection fees, application/file fees, testing fees, or fees tied to staff training—these are free no matter the amount.
  • If a program’s costs are higher than $5,000 in a year, the extra amount could still be charged.
  • If your child’s special-project school uses more than one building far apart, the school may need to move or regroup, which could change pick-up, drop-off, or schedules.

• School service centres and school leaders

  • Will need to cover most program costs that were previously charged to families, up to the $5,000 cap.
  • Must review all fees to ensure banned administrative charges are removed.
  • May need to relocate or consolidate buildings for special-project schools to meet the 250-meter rule.

• Teachers and staff

  • Training costs tied to these programs cannot be billed to families.
  • Possible changes to timetables or room assignments if buildings are consolidated.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Makes public special-focus programs truly accessible and reduces “pay-to-enter” barriers.
• Helps families with lower and middle incomes by removing common fees and hidden charges.
• Sets a clear cap so schools and families know what is covered.
• The building-distance rule can improve safety and cut time lost moving between buildings.
• Could support more equal opportunity across neighborhoods and school boards.

Opponents' View#

• Could increase costs for school service centres, which might lead to cuts elsewhere or fewer program spots.
• Programs that cost more than $5,000 a year may still charge families for the rest, which could keep some barriers in place.
• The 250-meter building rule may be hard to follow in rural areas or dense cities, and could force costly moves.
• Adjusting facilities and budgets to meet the new rules could be complex and disruptive in the short term.