PQ wants a ‘political takeover’ of schools: opposition

MONTREAL – Quebec’s opposition is accusing the new PQ government of planning to turn the province’s schools into political assembly lines to churn out supporters.

It is reacting angrily to news that the PQ will reduce emphasis on teaching English and increase emphasis on teaching the history of Quebec’s sovereignty movement.

The opposition calls that unacceptable.

The Liberals’ interim leader, Jean-Marc Fournier, says it’s a “political takeover” of the school system. He says the policies are inspired by the PQ’s hardline wing — not by what’s best for Quebec.

He is reacting to an interview by Marie Malavoy, the education minister, who outlined some of her plans to Quebec City’s Le Soleil newspaper.

She said she wants to abolish the practice of mandatory English lessons starting in Grade 1; slow down the implementation of intensive English in Grade 6; and change a high-school history course to increase the focus on the national-unity debate.